The Quakers

One of the religious groups that immigrated to America was the Quakers. They were also known as the “Society of Friends.” The name “Quaker” came from the belief that they thought everyone—even leaders of countries and kings—should “quake” with fear before God.

The Quakers worshipped in a very simple manner. There were no priests or ministers. They believed all people were equal before God. They believed that people should not fight in any wars and they refused to fight in any wars. They believed that all problems could be solved between two countries without any fighting.

The Quakers were not treated very well in England. That was why they left for America. In America, they hoped they would be treated better. Things were not much better in America. They tried to settle in Massachusetts, but they were asked to leave.

William Penn was a Quaker who was able to get land in America from the King of England. This land was named Pennsylvania, which means “Penn’s woods.” Pennsylvania was set up as a religious experiment. Penn invited religious groups from all over to move to Pennsylvania.