DOCUMENT

DECLARATION OF SENTIMENTS

The Declaration of Sentiments was written by Elizabeth Cady Stanton to outline the rights that women should be entitled to. Mimicking her work in the Declaration of Independence, Stanton addressed the wrongs placed on womankind. Elizabeth Cady Stanton read the declaration at the Seneca Falls Convention, unknowingly marking the start of the women's rights movement. The Declaration of Sentiments asserts the equality of men and women and argues that women are oppressed by the government. Stanton listed out facts that proved the oppression placed on women, and then insisted that women be considered full citizens. Sixty-eight women and thirty-two men signed the declaration, but many quickly withdrew their names because of ridicule.