CLEP US History I Exam Prep

Answer: B - The Quakers believed in absolute equality, and did not ascribe inherent superiority to any particular race or gender. This was a radical belief in an era where the religious groups in the area actively persecuted each other, in spite of the fact that many communities had formed because of oppressive qualities in England. The Quakers’ unique perspective also ensured that many supported abolition (though some prominent Quakers did keep slaves!), treated Native Americans fairly, and gave women rights. Women made important community decisions and even sometimes worked as traveling ministers. Note that this belief in equality did not necessarily translate into a desire for integration. Quaker communities were often quite insular, and women discussed community business in separate meetings from the men.