Elizabeth Cady Stanton at 200: Celebrating a Pioneer of Women’s Rights
December 2015 marked the 200th birthday of Elizabeth Cady Stanton — one of the most influential figures in the American women’s rights movement. As a tireless activist, powerful writer, and intellectual leader, Stanton helped spark a social revolution that would unfold over generations.
Early Life and Awakening
Born on November 12, 1815, in Johnstown, New York, Stanton was well-educated for a woman of her time. She studied Greek, Latin, mathematics, and law — though she was barred from practicing due to her gender. Early exposure to legal injustice fueled her determination to challenge gender inequality.
Seneca Falls and the Women’s Rights Movement
In 1848, Stanton co-organized the Seneca Falls Convention, the first major women’s rights gathering in the United States. There, she presented the revolutionary Declaration of Sentiments, modeled after the Declaration of Independence, which boldly demanded the right to vote for women.
Highlights from the Declaration of Sentiments
| Quote | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “All men and women are created equal.” | Stanton directly challenged gender bias in American democracy. |
| “He has never permitted her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise.” | Referring to women’s exclusion from voting rights. |
| “He has taken from her all right in property, even to the wages she earns.” | Critique of legal restrictions on married women’s economic independence. |
Partnership with Susan B. Anthony
Stanton formed a legendary partnership with Susan B. Anthony. While Anthony focused on organizing and speaking, Stanton wrote speeches, articles, and legal critiques. Together, they led the National Woman Suffrage Association and laid the foundation for future feminist movements.
Later Years and Lasting Legacy
Stanton continued advocating for women’s rights until her death in 1902. She wrote the multi-volume History of Woman Suffrage and her controversial work The Woman’s Bible, which critiqued the role of religion in reinforcing patriarchy.
Impact and Commemoration
Though she did not live to see the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, Stanton’s efforts were instrumental in securing women’s right to vote. In recent years, she has been honored with statues, stamps, and historical exhibitions — including the proposed monument in Central Park featuring her, Susan B. Anthony, and Sojourner Truth.
Conclusion
Two centuries after her birth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton remains a towering figure in the fight for equality. Her courage, intellect, and relentless drive for justice continue to inspire generations of activists and remind us that change often begins with one bold voice demanding to be heard.
