Declaration of Sentiments

Definition

The Declaration of Sentiments was a document signed by 68 women and 32 men—100 out of some 300 attendees at the first women's rights convention—to call for equal treatment of women and men under law and voting rights for women.

Analogy

Imagine you're on a sports team where half the players aren't allowed to play. You'd probably write up a list (or declaration) stating why everyone should be allowed to participate equally - that's essentially what happened with this document!

Related terms

Susan B. Anthony: A social reformer who played a pivotal role in promoting this declaration and advocating for Women’s suffrage.

19th Amendment: An amendment ratified in 1920 that granted American women the right to vote, embodying many principles from Declaration of Sentiments.

Abolitionism: A movement aiming at ending slavery, which shared many leaders with early feminism including those involved with Declaration of Sentiments.