Declaration of sentiments |
- Declaration of Sentiments, presented at Seneca Falls Convention in 1884 is credited for initiating the first organized women’s rights and women suffrage movements in the US.
- Document was signed in 1848 by 68 women and 32 men - Based on the US declaration of independence, the declaration helped pass the resolutions put forward, the document was “the grand basis for attaining the civil, social, political, and religious rights of women.” - At the time traditional roles were in placed, and the declaration caused much controversy. - Many respected the courage and abilities behind the drafting of the document, but were unwilling to abandon conventional mindsets. - Article in newspaper “ Oneida Whig” described the document as “the most shocking and unnatural event ever recorded in the history of womanity.” - Many felt that the declaration was drafted at the expense of of women’s more important duties. - At the time when temperance and female property rights were major issues, even many supporters of women’s rights believed that the declarations endorsement of women’s suffrage would hinder the nascent women’s rights movement, causing it to lose much needed public support. |