The religious group that contributed to the start of the Abolitionist Movement was the Quakers.
Quakers like Benjamin Lay and John Woolman made themselves known partially for their participation in this movement, although it was in no way limited to the Quakers.
The abolitionist movement was formed in 1830 in the northern states of the United States.
All states north of Maryland abolished slavery between 1789 and 1830, gradually and at different times. However, slavery status remained unchanged in the south. The point of view against slavery that many people of the North maintained after 1830 was slowly and imperceptibly leading towards the abolitionist movement.