Seneca Falls- Woman’s Rights
Read the opening paragraphs of the Declaration of Sentiments written by Elizabeth cady
Stanton in 1848 at Seneca Falls NY. The read the opening paragraphs of the Declaration of
Independence by Thomas Jefferson written in 1776 in Philadelphia PA. Compare and
contrast the documents. What terms were similar, what were they trying to achieve (gain),
why were these documents important?
Declaration of Sentiments
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one portion (group)
of the family of man to assume among the people of the earth a position different
from that which they have been occupied (given), but one to which the laws of nature
and of nature's God entitle (guarantee) them, a decent respect to the opinions of
mankind requires that they should declare the causes (reasons) that impel (make)
them to take such course (action).
We hold these truths to be self-evident (obvious): that all men and women are
created equal; that they are endowed (given) by their Creator with certain inalienable
(automatic) rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;
that to secure these rights governments are instituted (started), getting their just
powers from the consent of the governed. Whenever any form of government
becomes destructive, it is the right of those who suffer from it to refuse allegiance
(accept), and to insist upon the institution (start) of a new government, laying its
foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them
shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.
The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve (end)
the political bands (ties) that have connected them with another group, and to assume
among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station (rights) to which the Laws of
Nature and of Nature's God entitle (guarantee) them, a decent respect to the opinions of
mankind requires that they should declare the causes (reasons) which impel (make) them to
the separation (break apart).
We hold these truths to be self-evident (obvious), that all men are created equal, that they
are endowed (given) by their Creator with certain unalienable (cannot be taken away)
Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure
these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the
consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive, it
is the Right of the People to alter (change) or to abolish (end) it, and to institute (start) a
new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such
form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.