Analysis Worksheet for the Declaration of Sentiments

In 1848, a group of women and men met in Seneca Falls, New York, to discuss the plight of women in the United States. The members of that convention, which included active abolitionists, decided to draft a document that addressed women’s grievances. By making a formal declaration, supporters of women’s rights were making their voices heard in an attempt to gain equality for women in American society.

 

Directions: Read The Declaration of Sentiments, and answer the following questions.

 

1. What document does the Declaration of Sentiments, especially its introduction, resemble?

 

 

 

 

 

2. What are three specific examples of how the documents are similar?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. What are two specific examples of how the documents differ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Who was the audience for this document?

 

 

 

 

 

5. What are four specific grievances listed in the Declaration of Sentiments? Express these in your own words.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Are the frustrations expressed in this document justified? In other words, did women have a right to be angry about their place in society during this time period? Why, or why not?