American History Hit – "The Quakers' Rebellious Origins"

Host: Don Wildman | Guest: Dr. Erica Cannella
Release Date: December 4, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Don Wildman dives into the radical and rebellious beginnings of the Quaker faith, also known as the Society of Friends. Drawing on his personal experience as a birthright Quaker and expert commentary from historian Dr. Erica Cannella—author of Zealous: The Darker Side of Early Quakers—the discussion uncovers the surprising intensity, activism, and controversy surrounding the earliest Quakers. The episode explores their origins in the upheaval of 17th-century England, their zealous activism, their reception in early America, and their far-reaching legacy in the formation of the United States.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Quakerism: More Than Oatmeal (04:05–06:11)

• Quaker Oats Myth: Dr. Cannella dispels the myth that Quakers have anything to do with Quaker Oats:

  “Quaker Oats has nothing to do with Quakers, but because of brilliant American marketing, they’ve become synonymous.” (Dr. Erica Cannella, 04:47)

• Quaker Origins: The Society of Friends arose during the traumatic backdrop of the English Civil War, rejecting formal clergy and emphasizing personal, direct experience of God.
• Rejection of Hierarchies: Quakers believed anyone could access the divine without intermediaries, a notion viewed as dangerously radical at the time.

2. Radical Egalitarianism & Social Disruption (06:11–11:17)

• Equality and Simplicity:
  • Quakers insisted on spiritual and social equality, including for women, and adopted ‘plain speech’, refusing to use titles or deference.

    “Men and women are viewed as equals… women are allowed to preach, to speak in meetings.” (Dr. Erica Cannella, 08:16)

• Worship in Silence: Worship consisted of silent meetings, where anyone moved by God could speak, subverting traditional, hierarchical church structures.
• Obnoxious Zeal:

  “They were obnoxious and they were very annoying. The way they... they weren’t subtle. There’s just no subtlety at all.” (Dr. Erica Cannella, 11:31)
  “There was a holier-than-thou crowd going on there, too. Not true of everybody… but there were a lot of people that were a little too intense about this.” (Don Wildman, 11:43)

3. Rapid Growth and Organization (13:57–22:46)

• Origins with George Fox: Born to a prosperous family, Fox began “searching” during the Civil Wars, dissatisfied with established religions.
• Charisma and Writing: The movement’s success owed much to its charismatic leaders (George Fox, James Naylor) and prolific pamphlet-writing culture.
• Organizational Skill as Key to Survival:

  “Their organizational skills are worthy of, like, the most irritating person on LinkedIn. They are like, in it to win it.” (Dr. Erica Cannella, 11:55)

• Persecution and Resilience: Despite frequent imprisonments and deaths among leaders, by 1680, Quakers had some 40,000 members, thanks to effective grassroots organization.
• Pamphlet Record:

  “We love our pamphlets. Boy, do we love pamphlets.” (Don Wildman, 13:34)

4. "The Darker Side": Zealotry and Extremism (25:54–34:11)

• Book Premise – Zealous: Dr. Cannella’s book examines the intense, sometimes fanatical behavior of early Quakers—including provocative street actions and public demonstrations.
• Provocation as Identity: The name ‘Quaker’ was originally an insult, referring to physical trembling during worship, but was re-appropriated as a badge of honor.

  “Who takes an insult like that and owns it? I don’t really know of any other group… ‘I’ll show you who’s quaking.’” (Dr. Erica Cannella, 28:49)

Notable Case: James Naylor (29:23–34:11)

• Charismatic and Controversial: Naylor’s dramatic re-enactment of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem (riding into Bristol) led to charges of blasphemy.
• Severe Punishment: Naylor was branded, had his tongue bored, and was publicly whipped nearly to death.

  “That is super not helpful during a trial for blasphemy.” (Dr. Erica Cannella, 33:24)

Notable Case: Susanna Pearson & "Digging up Corpses" (35:59–41:42)

• Radical Acts: Some early Quakers, like Susanna Pearson, attempted to raise the dead as proof of faith, even exhuming and physically attempting to revive a drowned man.

  “She straddles his body and begins rubbing her face on his face and commanding him to rise.” (Dr. Erica Cannella, 40:39)

• Biblical Precedent: These dramatic gestures tried to mirror Old Testament prophets but horrified officials and locals.

5. Quaker Migration to America and Continued Persecution (43:32–48:59)

• Puritan Hostility: Early Quakers seeking refuge in New England (notably Boston) were met with hostility and persecution, not open arms.

  “They found was essentially the exact same treatment that they were getting in England.” (Dr. Erica Cannella, 44:18)

• Martyrdom: Mary Dyer and other Quakers were executed for their defiance, with Dyer memorialized in Boston Common.
• Women's Authority: Quaker communities gave women significant power, including property rights—unusual for the time.

  “Women had enormous power in Quakerism and that in itself was a threat of the age. It’s a matriarchal religion. It really is.” (Don Wildman, 48:59)

• Confrontational Legacy:

  “They weren’t just quietly handing someone a pamphlet and scurrying away. Like, they are confrontational. They are bold. The early Quakers, they’re incredibly driven.” (Dr. Erica Cannella, 47:03)

6. William Penn and the Quaker Holy Experiment (49:52–53:13)

• Origins of Pennsylvania: The colony was established partly to settle royal debt to Penn’s family and provide religious refuge.
• Migration Waves: Large groups left England for Pennsylvania, shaping early American society.
• Religious Tolerance and Innovation: Penn’s vision extended to all faiths, including fair dealings with Native Americans.

  “He was seeking not just to build a colony, but to prove… freedom and harmony could shape a new society.” (Don Wildman, 51:43)

• Philadelphia's Significance: The city became the leading American metropolis well into the 19th century due to the Quaker legacy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Quaker Oats and Branding (04:47)

“The Quaker Oats has nothing to do with Quakers… That mascot really comes from quite brilliant 19th-century American marketing.”
—Dr. Erica Cannella

On Zealotry (11:31)

“They were obnoxious and they were very annoying. The way they… just weren’t subtle there. There’s just no subtlety at all.”
—Dr. Erica Cannella

On Early Persecution (23:17)

“People are… put in jail. There’s a hardcore reaction in the government against this.”
—Don Wildman

James Naylor’s Infamy (33:24)

“She says that James Naylor has raised her from the dead. That is super not helpful during a trial for blasphemy.”
—Dr. Erica Cannella

Grave-Raising Extremism (40:39)

“She straddles his body and begins… rubbing her face on his face and commanding him to rise.”
—Dr. Erica Cannella

Status of Women (48:59)

“Women had enormous power in Quakerism and that in itself was a threat of the age. It’s a matriarchal religion. It really is.”
—Don Wildman

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Setting the Scene: 01:33–03:00
• History & Misconceptions about Quakers: 04:05–06:11
• Quaker Beliefs and Social Radicalism: 06:12–09:42
• Plain Speak & Silent Worship: 09:42–11:17
• Zealousness and “Darker Sides”: 25:54–34:11
• James Naylor Scandal: 29:23–34:11
• Raising the Dead, Susanna Pearson’s Story: 35:59–41:42
• Migration to America & Mary Dyer: 43:14–48:59
• William Penn & Pennsylvania: 49:52–53:13
• Quaker Legacy & Wrap-up: 53:13–end

Conclusion

This episode dispels the myth of the Quakers as quiet, oatmeal-eating pacifists, revealing their turbulent, passionate engagements with authority both in England and colonial America. Through Dr. Erica Cannella’s expert storytelling, listeners learn about their confrontational tactics, radical ideals of equality (including women's leadership), persecution, and the birth of Pennsylvania as a “holy experiment” in religious pluralism.

Future Topic Tease: Don Wildman hints at continuing this exploration into 18th-century Quakerism, the growth of Philadelphia, and the broader impact of the faith on American identity.

Guest: Dr. Erica Cannella, historian and author of Zealous: A Darker Side of the Early Quakers
Host: Don Wildman, American History Hit

Listener Call to Action:
“If you did, please comment, please let us know. Don, please do more Quakerism. We love it. We can’t get enough.” —Dr. Erica Cannella (54:05)

This summary provides all major episode insights and memorable moments for listeners and non-listeners alike, blending narrative flow with thorough detail and clear attributions.