Speech Before the National Woman Suffrage Convention

Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s speech before the NWSA is a declaration for equality in women’s rights.  She proclaims that “because man and woman are the complement of one another, we need woman’s thought in national affairs to make a safe and stable government.  She points out that man needs to understand that women are not anomalous creatures, but individuals whom should have equal rights compared to men.

Stanton gives three main reasons for her proclamation for a sixteenth amendment.  First, that a government based upon caste and class cannot stand.  Second, a “man’s” government is a civil, religious, and social disorganization.  Third, that women cannot accept such low depths of political degradation.

Stanton’s speech is a work of art when it comes to arguing for woman’s suffrage.  She makes compelling argument after argument, not only arguing the importance for a “sixteenth amendment,” but she argues for women to stand up for themselves and fight for equality.  She is not afraid to cry out against hypocrisy, proclaiming, “This fundamental principle of our government-the equality of all the citizens of the republic-should be incorporated in the Federal Constitution, there to remain forever.”  Personally, my favorite part of her speech is when she makes a demand to the Republican party, “We appeal to the party now in power, everywhere to end this protracted debate on suffrage, and declare it the inalienable right of every citizen…The Republican party has the power to do this, and now is its only opportunity.”

It’s hard to comprehend the impact Elizabeth Cady Stanton had on the world we live in today.  Obviously, she was a major asset for the women’s rights movement.  If it weren’t for individuals such as Stanton, we wouldn’t have come as far as we have in the past 150 years in terms of political, social, and civil equality.  I feel it is important that we, as the leaders of today and tomorrow, continue to fight for the things Elizabeth Cady Stanton fought for, which is liberty and equality for all people.

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