Gender Essay, Research Paper

On July 19, 1848, one of the most important conventions for womens’ rights was held in Seneca Falls, New York. This was the first convention of the kind ever held. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony were the main hosts. Their purpose was to convince the American citizens, men and women, of the inequality of women s current position in the American society. To prove that it was either unjust, or that the freedoms we fought for in the Revolutionary War were in vain. In the Declaration of Independence it states: ” We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their own Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. They wanted to prove that women were created equal too. Elizabeth Stanton wrote a document: “The Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions”. Later it would be printed in pamphlets. It was the spark that started the women s rights movements. Three hundred men and women attended the convention. Many newspaper articles were written; some were supporting the concepts, but most criticized. The convention s influence would not stop until women were guaranteed all the rights that men had.

On August 26, 1920, the nineteenth amendment was passed. The passage was “Article IXX: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex”. Unfortunately, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony died before the passage was ever written. These two were just some of the women who dedicated their lives to gaining equality and rights for women. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony were true pioneers of the women s rights movements. Their influence has touched many and will always be remembered.

I think that this movement was very important for females all over the country. If this movement was not passed, we, as women, would have no part in voting, political office, or any part in any government activity. We would not have the WNBA, or half of the Olympic games. This movement made us women as we are today, and without it, we would still be stuck in our homes, doing the same things women used to do back then. Cleaning, cooking, and mothering children were the known “responsibilities” of a woman. Now we have jobs, as senators, CEO’s, principle’s, teachers, and many others, while many father’s are staying home to clean, cook, and father their children. THANK GOD FOR WOMEN”S SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT!