With Trials There Will Be Tribulations

S.G.C

With Trials, there will be Tribulations The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions was one of America’s most utilizing tools for advocating women’s rights. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the brave author and advocate of this amazing document set before the government apposing legitimate rights for all women across the U.S. With the help of other women who were “fed up,” Elizabeth Stanton, stood and presented the first ever, unlawful acts against, that were posed upon woman in the 18th century and every year before that. In Seneca Falls, NY in 1848 at the very first women’s rights convention, was where the independence of women’s rights finally took a turn for the better. Not only was “The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions,” presented during the same month that the congress passed “The Declaration of Independence,” but was actually rooted back to the very same objective as “The Declaration of Independence.” Elizabeth Cady Stanton was one of the most influential women of the 19th century. Leading campaigns for women’s rights, Stanton’s goal was focused on "gaining opportunities for women such as; the right to appeal for a divorce, the right for complete custody of her own children, property rights, and her most fundamental demand at that time was for; women’s right to vote. Stanton was determined to put a stop to segregation between men and woman but also wished to instill independence and self-reliance in women nationwide. Within doing so, Stanton revised many imperative speeches, not only “The Declaration of Sentiments,” but also “The Woman’s Bible,” such speeches referred back to the original writings, such as; “The Declaration of Independence,” written by Thomas Jefferson, and “The Holy Bible,” written by the Apostles, this was done purposely prove a point, and to persuade the readers. By drawling references from original documents to her own delicate pleas to save the women society, she dramatically proved her point that these too were inquiries that had been revised as building blocks to overcome discrimination alike her own, the only difference, they were based and followed upon the dominance of the male gender. When regarding the analysis of Stanton’s speeches, the reader assumes that her own personal experience had an impact on her beliefs and the combination of the inequality gender issues that defined her life as a child. With the perspective of Stanton’s past, her writing is illustrated by the reader as representative. Personal anecdotes, contrast, and comparison, are techniques used by Stanton. Stanton enhances her ability to persuade the reader with a strong influential essay by using logic, emotion, and ethics. Stanton argues that all women should acquire the same rights as men. To get her point across to the reader, she refers back to the words of “The Declaration of Independence,” stating; “All men are created equal, but when it comes to women, we are demeaned” (204). Stanton’s declaration shows logical appeal, and represents the importance of equality of men and women. Stanton writes; “Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, It is right of those who suffer from it to refuse allegiance to it and to insist upon the institution of a new government” (204). Referring back to Jefferson’s original writings, this repeated argument reminds the reader of the importance of equal governing towards man, and the logical reasoning behind this statement is when people disagree with the government, they are provided the security of which to overthrow such governments. This statement also leads the reader to believe that the destruction of government it puts woman in harms way, by only allowing male role models the endowment of justification. Stanton redirects the reader to an emotional level by clearly giving examples of how men have compelled as an utter tyranny over woman by dominating their personal rights. Stanton states; “In the covenant of marriage, she is compelled to promise obedience to her husband, he becoming to all intents and purposes, her master” (205). Stanton explains that, under the authority of marriage, the law gives all power to men, and leaves women deprived of their integrity. By showing how women are illegitimate pupils other than as servants to their husbands, it allows the reader to feel emotions for the sufferings of women, and their desires for equality. Without the equality of women, there were no such things as freedoms for her individual self, which were ceased by man within a unity. Stanton writes; “He has made her, if married, in the eye of the law, civilly dead” (205). Such unlawfulness discrimination leaves women freedom-less as citizens and as human beings. Stanton presents ethical appeal directly to the reader by writing; “A decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes that impel them to such a course” (204). Elizabeth shows morality by insuring the reader that although she has mutual respect for men and women, she does not agree with course that society has taken by the unfair treatment and equality towards women. To be clear of her mutuality, Stanton writes; “In entering upon the great work before us, we anticipate no small amount of misconception, misrepresentation, and ridicule, we hope this Convention will be followed by a series of Conventions embracing every part of the country” (206). Stanton’s statements show that within her careful consideration of opposing sides, she now has the full right to express her own thoughts and feelings without ridicule of male or female. Stanton was very aware of the past and present problems of female discrimination, as she writes; “The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman, having indirect object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her” (205). Stanton reminded the government of the rights that all people were entitled to under The Declaration of Independence. Stanton remains firm by directing the reader’s concentration upon the role of society to stand up against unfit laws. In years leading up to this event, woman consisted of one purpose, to have children, take care of the family, and maintain an orderly home. Since the earliest of historical evidence woman were believed to be significantly weaker individuals and were dominated by men. Woman lacked the capabilities of making decisions without the consent of their husbands, weren’t allowed to work, and even lacked educational experiences. Therefore, the inequality portrayed women as disadvantaged individuals upon society. The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions was a significant source of the progression of woman’s rights. Within her essay, Elizabeth did a very effective job of appealing to the readers. Not only did Stanton show evidence of the unfair treatment of women, but she also provided resolutions. Stanton’s appeal of logic, emotion, and ethics allowed the reader to have a greater understanding of the inequality that was committed upon thousands of women for so many years. Stanton’s logic led the reader and government to visualize important viewpoints as to why women shouldn’t be discriminated against. Stanton’s declaration served as a motivational and emotional experience for the readers, and the congress of the 19th century, eventually leading to equal rights for women. Concluding her work, Elizabeth Stanton, with the help of Lucretia Mott, resolved the following imperative statement; “That the speedy success of our cause depends upon the zealous and untiring efforts of both men and women, for the overthrow of the monopoly of the pulpit, and for the securing to woman an equal participation with men in the various trades, professions, and commerce” (208). This statement was the final piece to the puzzle that resolved and concealed the importance of The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions. This very statement was what Elizabeth Cady Stanton and women nationwide, had ultimately hoped for. Equality, although time consuming over several years, was finally justified!