AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Women's Rights Movement (Day 113/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of the Women’s Rights Movement in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Letters on the Equality of the Sexes and the Condition of Women, 1838, Library of Congress

The Women’s Rights Movement, which fought against gender inequalities grew out of the abolition movement. While there were activists who sought to improve conditions for women since the 17th century, a large movement did not coalesce until 1848.

World Anti-Slavery Convention, Wikipedia

When several female abolitionists met at the Worlds’ Anti-Slavery Convention and were prevented from full participation, calls for a women’s rights convention commenced.

Signatures to the “Declaration of Sentiments,” Wikimedia Commons

At the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, men and women created the Declaration of Sentiments, similar to the Declaration of Independence, to list grievances and state resolutions for the rights of women. It is considered the catalyst for the women’s rights movement.

Wikimedia Commons: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Frederick Douglass

While there was easy consensus on issues of divorce, custody and property rights, and educational opportunities, the right to vote was debated. When both Frederick Douglass and Elizabeth Cady Stanton spoke in favor of suffrage, the resolution passed.

In 1848, a Women’s Rights Movement emerged at the Seneca Falls Convention. While overshadowed by the issue of slavery for the next decades, the movement was an inspiration for many generations of future feminists.

Join me tomorrow as I explain Other Reform Movements in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!