- The New England region had a strong history of religious freedom and dissent, which led many people to question the institution of slavery on moral grounds.
- The economy of the New England states was based on manufacturing and trade, rather than agriculture, so there was less economic dependence on slavery.
- The New England states had a higher proportion of free Black people than the South, which helped create a more sympathetic and supportive environment for the abolitionist movement.
- The New England states were home to many prominent abolitionist leaders such as William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips, and Harriet Tubman.
The abolitionist movement was also strong in some parts of the Midwest, such as Ohio and Michigan, which were considered "free" states and were often a destination for escaped slaves. However, the movement faced much stronger resistance in the Southern states, where slavery was deeply entrenched and any criticism of it was often met with hostility and violence.