Experiences and Opportunities of Women in the Antebellum Era

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" these were a few words from the founding fathers of America and from the women of the Seneca Falls Convention ("Declaration", 1). With these words, it was thought to be true unless it came to the views of women. For years, decades, and even centuries, women have fought for their rights of equality among men. During this fight for their rights, women were powerless in so many ways. For one, they were expected to take care of the household and children but had no other say in anything concerning outside of the home. Secondly, they couldn't voice their opinion and if they did no one sought to listen. They also couldn't participate in politics unless they spoke through their husband. Lastly, they were treated as property of their husbands. Of course these were just a few of the many sacrifices women faced. Through these struggle and hardships, many women rights supporters came together and revealed how they felt about their views on women's freedom and rights. In the struggle though, they also faced an uphill battle against men and women who supported the power between men and women as it was. In a battle for women's rights, only one side would win but only time could tell.

Catharine Beecher was a powerful speaker among her views of women's rights. Her outlook on the responsibilities of women in the 1800's was far different from what many women rights activists at the time would think. Beecher saw the American democracy as many powers coming together but through these powers, only one could be superior. She also thought that everyone could choose for themselves to who would be their superior ruler no matter what class they were from. With a superior, Beecher saw that it was socially acceptable for the man to be the superior because it was the better way of life ("Treatise", 26). Though these were just a few of the very broad generalizations made about America's democracy and the power held, Beecher's stronger views eventually tied in with specifically women's rights. Beecher thought women should be happy for what they have and accept the fact that they must follow under men's orders. She felt that, "No woman is forced to obey any husband but the one she chooses for herself", but no matter whom she may pick, she will still have to obey him ("Treatise", 26). In America during the 19th century, women had equal rights and interests in social and civil concerns but to secure these privileges, women had to go through a "subordinate station" or in other words, through a man to have her voice heard ("Treatise", 27). Beecher also draws support from M. De Tocqueville. Tocqueville shared the same views as Beecher and in support, did many comparisons with European women to show how American women have the bigger advantage. Tocqueville explained how in Europe woman were treated as equal as men but the European system was degraded because women are seen as slaves, and men looked at woman unequally to themselves ("Treatise", 28 & 30). In comparison to America, Tocqueville believed that there needs to be a gender difference with rights in order for great work to be done in the society. Tocqueville also mentioned how women may not have the same rights as men, but they aren't expected the same laborious work and duties from society either. Women aren't expected to do the extensive work that men are required to do ("Treatise", 28). Tocqueville also thought America was built on democratic principles and with these principles there was a head ruler. With the power of head ruler, it was to be given to men to regulate and legalize power for women and children ("Treatise", 29). Also, men in the United States, even though they hold the greater power were shown to compliment women and appreciate them more for what they do than compared to Europe where women were looked as slaves, as mentioned before ("Treatise", 30). Beecher also found that men and women were treated as equal in the United States and women's interests were equal value to men's. As for politics, she felt like women didn't care to get involved. According to Beecher, "In civil and political affairs, American women take no interest or concern except so far as they sympathize with their family and personal friends" ("Treatise", 33). One thing that Beecher did find to be true was the accomplishments that women held over men. As Beecher stated, "They are the agents in accomplishing the greatest work that ever was committed to human responsibility" ("Treatise", 38). She voiced how women were the creators of men on earth. They are the ones who help build their sons into prosperous men. They are the ones who sway their husband's heart. They are the ones who work hard in the classrooms to give proper education to the next generation ("Treatise", 37). No matter what little powers women held, Beecher saw that women should be grateful for what they have created in the long-run.

In return, the "Declaration of Sentiments" and "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" provided a much different outlook on women's rights. The "Declaration of Sentiments" showed a strong women's rights outlook. With the help from Elizabeth Cady Stanton, she made some very clear points in the declaration about what they wanted to see happen when it came to women's rights. They wanted and felt women should have an equal opportunity just like men. They emphasized how men and women were meant to be created equal. They felt the only way to get things done was through rebellion. Women would have to take the stand and fight in what they believed in. Women would need to fight for the privileges they've always wanted, the government they've always needed, and the powers they've always deserved ("Declaration",