Seneca Falls Convention And The Declaration Of Sentiments

548 Words3 Pages

In July of 1848 a convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York whose purpose was “to discuss the social, civil, and religious condition and rights of woman.” This convention was attended by almost 200 women and was the first women’s rights convention to ever be held. It was brought to fruition by Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cody Stanton and is known as the Seneca Falls Convention. The two had met 8 years before at an anti-slavery convention and had not been allowed to enter because of their sex. They then decided to begin to advocate for women’s rights and even though it took many years to accomplish, hosted the Seneca Falls women’s rights convention. The meeting spread over the course of two days and was the beginning of real strides for the women’s …show more content…

This document was written in an imitating style of the Declaration of Independence and consisted of 15 grievances of woman in regards to woman’s rights and the actions of men that affect these rights. Some of the text was altered from the Declaration of Independence to improve upon and press the point of equality. For example, ‘and women’ was added to state that “we hold these truths to be self evident, that all men and women are created equal.” The intention was that these papers be read and discussed (debated) and then put forward for signatures from men and woman in attendance. In all 68 women and 32 men signed the declaration declaring themselves in agreement. In the long run the Seneca Falls Convention became famous for discussing the shunned upon topic of woman’s right to vote, but the Declaration of Sentiments covered many other topics and grievances. These topics included woman’s rights in regards to obtaining an education, morality, divorce, and even religion. Also included were woman’s rights in regards to marriage, such as wages and earnings, legalities, property, and