In 1652, George Fox formally gathered the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as Quakers, in England. This movement emphasized the belief that the Inner Light of Christ is accessible to all individuals, negating the need for traditional sacraments or clergy. The Quakers became known for their commitment to social justice, pacifism, and equality, influencing various social reform movements and contributing to the development of religious tolerance in the modern world.

Quaker theology—plain speech, silence, and direct divine experience—produced a distinctive literary culture following the founding of the Religious Society of Friends in 1652. Quaker poets like John Greenleaf Whittier later became major figures in American verse, using their works to advocate for social justice and spiritual introspection.