The Seneca Falls Declaration of 1848 was one of a kind women rights convention that was aimed at discussing the social, religious and civil rights of women. Led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, the women demanded the equality of women in the United States. In the document, are the feelings of women who for a very long time had been denied legal rights in a country that boasted to be the home of the free! Among some of the issues highlighted were the rights to vote because according to these women, their patriarchal society had never “permitted her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise” (Rogers 216). The other rights the women demanded include the right to own property earn their wages; own businesses as well as the right to owning land. The women of this time and previous eras were expected to be subservient to their men; fathers and husbands. It is true, according to the introduction of the declaration that man had absolute tyranny over a woman.
The Seneca Falls Declaration was such a radical document for the simple reason that it mirrored and called for reform. It called for a revolution considering this was a period of reforms; it added more to the changes that society demanded. To enlarge the practicality of democracy, there was a need to embrace natural rights of equality, and it is from that angle that the declaration seemed to echo their concern for change and women empowerment. It is believed to have been the point of departure in the demand for human rights and equality, something that continues to be illuminated the world even until now. Besides that, the document mirrored the Declaration of Independence because it asserted the fact that everyone had the same and equal rights to life and liberty. Due to that, it was highly criticized by the media as being very radical because it spelt out the injustices that faced women not only in the United States but also around the world as seen from the support the declaration received from France.
Women in France also faced similar challenges as the women of the United States. It is not surprising that the French socialist women supported the resolutions put down in the Seneca Falls Declaration. Any freedoms that the American women would achieve through the convention could positively affect the French women. The act of Jeanne Deroine and Pauline Roland writing to their Sisters in the United States was an act of solidarity, and acknowledging the fact that in as much as their cry for liberty had been suppressed their cries could be heard through the convention. The French woman was not in any better position that the woman in the United States.
The issues that were presented at the Seneca Falls Convention have indeed been resolved in today’s contemporary society. The woman of the 21st century enjoys the freedoms of voting, owning property, earn wages and operate their businesses. Big strides have been made towards the empowering woman and the girl child so much so that a big number of women can access education, a tool they can use to empower themselves. The current society acknowledges the importance of equity and equality, and that is the reason there are laws and legislations that are used to protect the rights of women. That cannot be said about the wider world because there are societies that are still patriarchal.
Part 2
Question 1
The article, reflect major strides that were taken by women of the 19th century in their pursuit of their freedoms. At the time, so many revolutions were going on in the United States, France, and Germany and around the world. At the time, there were several institutions that restricted the rights and privileges of different groups of people including women. It was necessary that women stood for their rights just like other revolutionary that sought to liberalize and democratize society, women and the rest of the society was keen on finding footing and a voice in society at the time.
Question 2
The resource was written in 1848 and is famously known as the Declaration of Sentiments
The resource was originally written in English
The resource is a speech that she gave at the convention
Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a suffragist and activist whose role in the Seneca Falls Convention led to the feminist movement that liberated women following the convention. She was a respected activist who unlike many women of her era was highly educated and that made her intellectually strong.
Question 3
The source was produced as a way of reiterating the happenings in the 19th century era so as to show the journey taken by a few women to change the course of feminism in the world. The author intended to inform the readers about this era and how the event took place.
The intended audience is general because it suits everyone and anyone who is interested to learn more about the Seneca Falls Declaration.
The tone and language the author uses is nostalgic because the writing seeks to juxtapose the convention and the times in which it was held. That helps bring out a sentimental yearning one may have felt at the time. It is also conveyed in a positive way and one may wish to go back in time and experience the event.
Question 4
The 20th century saw women fight stereotypes and stamp their authority in society
Personal freedom was a major concern at the time and different social groups began to break the mold in search of freedom.
The locking of horns between liberals and conservatives led to tumultuous times that can be attributed to the reason for the revolutions.
Question 5
Political, social and economic forces of the 19th century brought about change and the monarchies changed tact in order to appeal to the common elements of their society.
Nationalistic changes in politics and governance were never easy and for the changes that were witnessed in social relationships; it had to take the sacrifices of a few.
Another discovery I made was that the Seneca Falls Convention had an impact on the rights and freedoms of women across Europe and not only in the United States.
Question 6
The source highlights a turning point in the lives of American women and the women of the world, highlighting their achievements and giving more insights into the societies of the 19th and 20th centuries. The resource was helpful to the subsequent era that followed the Seneca Falls Declaration because it is through that women from many parts of Europe were accorded the rights and freedoms to participate in the electoral process, own property and even seek employment.
Work Cited
Rogers, Perry. Aspects of Western Civilization: Problems and Sources in History, Vol. 1. 7/e. Upper Saddle River: Pearson. 2010. Print
