Text Analysis: The Declaration of Sentiments, Seneca Falls Convention, July 1848

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was an abolitionist and leading figure of the early women’s rights movement. Elizabeth Stanton and Lucretia Mott led the first national woman’s rights convention in the United States. They wrote the Declaration of Sentiments to “demand civil liberties for women and to right the wrongs of society” (Johnson 386). This inspired many women to challenge the barriers that limited their opportunities, because for the first time in history, they are not afraid to speak up. For this reason, the Declaration of Sentiments, Seneca Falls Convention, 1848 is the beginning of the modern women’s rights movement. Having achieved Independence from Great Britain did not warrant equality for everyone especially woman and blacks. Stanton is furious about the inequality and abuse that is done to the woman and black stating that, “The general discontent I felt with women’s portion as wife… some active measure should be taken to right the wrongs of society in general, and of women in particular” (Johnson 386).

On the first paragraph, Stanton angrily states that they should be given rights because they are all created equal. God did not create one person to rule over another person; may it be woman, man or black. Stanton does not distant herself from the blacks and slaves; she sees herself as one of them. The word use of “God,” shows that she is a religious person, and believes in a higher power than just the government and men.  Stanton believes that everyone has inalienable rights: “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. Government is built to protect these rights, and when they fail, the oppressed must stand up. Stanton gives a reason why there is Declaration of Sentiments. She feels that the government has failed to give the inalienable rights so she led three hundred reformers to undo the wrong that is done. Stanton feels that the government is despotize by men and men alone, and that women have no voice, no opinion, and no worth. Using the description, “tyranny over her,” Stanton paints an image in the reader’s mind that men are abusive and suppress women from their potential. Women feel like they are slaves, and owned because they have no freedom.

Stanton lists her Sentiments just like the Declaration of Independence in hopes that women can be freed and gain independence from men; just like how the thirteen colonies were free from the rule of Great Britain. Stanton list the Sentiments in a bullet form style and starts it with, “He” to express how badly they are oppressed. She goes on listing all the things that are immorally wrong and she pleads to the people and government that they need to have equal rights and privileges which their human rights.

The historical significant of this document is that this is the very first time that women gathered to organized a revolution for their independence. Despite of the criticism that women received, because of this document women were making strides for their independence. The struggle to gain independence and to be equal with men is now a formal, official, organized movement. Women met more to discuss women’s right and many national women’s rights organizations were built. Another meeting was held after Seneca Falls Convention which had a larger audience. This document is a catalyst in starting the fight for independence for women.

I find that the author’s argument is very convincing. It is morally wrong to oppress, belittle, and strip women with their rights. It is ironic how the thirteenth colonies fought for their independence and gained it; but then again became “Great Britain” in the face of women and black. People are all created equal and we all have equal rights.