Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions Seneca Falls Convention

Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions Seneca Falls Convention, 1848

Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions Declaration of Sentiments Modeled after Declaration of Independence… “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal…” Right to Resist Illegitimate Govt “But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their duty to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. ”

History of Women have suffered under existing Govt in US and now demands redress… History of Man: Defined by Gender Inequality The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman

Gender Inequality Evidence of Gender Inequality Women: -cannot vote -put women below men, regardless of they are degraded. -if married, they are civilly dead -husband denies her property rights -has to be obedient to husband -can teacher “theology, medicine, the law” -colleges is closed to her -excluded from ministry -different codes of morality between men and -separate private sphere ignorant or women.

Resolutions: -Natural Law is superior to all other law…and natural law dictates that “man” should pursue his own happiness. Any law inconsistent with this is invalid. -Resolved – any law that conflicts with happiness of women is invalid.

Resolutions -Resolved – any law that places women in inferior position to men is contrary to the “great percept of nature” and is thus invalid. (459) -Resolved – women should have the vote -Resolved – women should be politically engaged, be able to speak publicly.