Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Elizabeth Cady Stanton. (stories.washingtonhistory.org)

"It is the mind that makes the body." (Sojourner Truth) This statement was one Elizabeth Cady Stanton spent her lifetime trying to prove to people; expressing the fact that a woman's mindset was no different than the opposite sex and therefore all women deserved equal rights. Stanton demonstrated tremendous passion in gaining certain rights for women, such as the ability to vote, and through her devotion it became apparent that her drive to succeed made her an inspiration. Throughout her lifetime which began on November 12, 1815 and ended October 26, 1902, her various accomplishments as a leader of the women's rights movement confirmed she is an admirable individual. In 1848, Stanton alongside her good friend, Susan B. Anthony, organized America's first Women's Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls. ("Elizabeth Cady Stanton", Encyclopedia of World Biography) Then starting in 1869, Stanton spent twelve years speaking out for the New York Lyceum Bureau about the sexual exploitation of women and the need for the vote.("Elizabeth Cady Stanton", Historic World Leaders) Another main triumph in her life was writing The Woman's Bible, a feminist study on the sexism often found in the Judeo- Christian bible, which became a best-seller in 1898. (Kester-Shelton) At one point, Stanton yet again proved her determination to gaining identical political rights for women by providing the Massachusetts senator, at the time, with 400,000 signatures to petition for the Thirteenth Amendment. (Gordon) Through these examples and more, Stanton established she possessed many respectable traits, and though she was frequently looked down upon for this, she was also applauded for proving she could be more than the stereotypical woman of the 1800's. Elizabeth Cady Stanton rightfully made a mark in history by leading the efforts for equal women's rights, selflessly committing her time to gain the liberty for those bound by the shackles  of sexism, and her invigorating courage not only made her a motivating leader, but evidently a hero to be admired as well.

The Woman's Bible written by Stanton. (Tower books)

Stanton's undying courage drove her to make a difference in the world and therefore challenge what most of the population believed women deserved and this is one of the reasons she is a genuine hero. Continually, Stanton displayed courage by writing about such a controversial topic of her era: "In 1898 Stanton published her most controversial work, the best-selling The Woman's Bible, a feminist study of the sexism found in the Judeo-Christian Bible."(Kester-Shelton) Although many women who spoke out for women's rights were judged harshly, Stanton persevered in her attempts to make a difference regarding the way women were treated despite the constant criticism that hung above her. She chose not to let the obstacles thrown in her way slow her down and promptly continued to write about the women's rights movement, controversial or not, in order to achieve equal rights. Arguing for her rights by speaking at conventions also exhibited her unrelenting courage: "Stanton's speech at the convention challenged America's "aristocracy of sex" in the language of the American Revolution... Daring to demand the right to vote, Stanton reminded her listeners that all white men in the country had the same rights no matter how they differed in mind, body, or position."("Elizabeth Cady Stanton", Historic World Leaders) Her efforts took a hefty amount of courage because not only was she putting her life on the line, but also putting her family at stake by standing up for a topic many believed she had no right debating. She tried to explain to her followers that every person had a different and valuable opinion, and that gender shouldn't determine who has the right to vote. The exceptional courage within Stanton was repeatedly demonstrated through her ongoing actions for change, which didn't cease until the day she died.

Seneca Falls Convention 1848. ( ())

Stanton was one of the first and main leaders in the effort to gain women's rights due to her fascination, which she even possessed as a young girl, with gaining complete liberty for women. A leader is one who takes action and creates the fire that spreads the cause to the ears of all, and Elizabeth Stanton was the woman who generated the spark that set off the women's rights movement: "In 1848 she organized America's first women's rights convention, held in Seneca Falls, N.Y." ("Elizabeth Cady Stanton", Encyclopedia of World Biography) Until the first women's rights convention, many hadn't heard of or even given a thought to the right's women deserved, but by organizing the first official meeting Stanton made certain to make women's voices heard. The leadership in Stanton was apparent through her help in forming the Seneca Falls convention, and it became clear she would be a major factor in leading women to equal opportunities between both sexes. Stanton and her longtime friend and partner, Susan B. Anthony, worked as a team to begin to modify certain laws that would acquire equality for women: "In 1854 they launched their first campaign to change specific laws regarding women, and while Anthony circulated petitions and tracts, organized meetings, and lobbied the legislature, Stanton crafted the arguments." (Gordon) Stanton and Anthony operated together in leading their first attempt to adjust certain laws to fit their standards of equivalence. Stanton assisted in the campaign by constructing the arguments that would assist in making the dreams of just laws, reality. Stanton's inspiring leadership is admirable, but it wasn't simply being a leader that was commendable, it was the compassion inside her soul which compelled her to become a leader that would change the lives of generations to come.

Stanton and Susan B. Anthony (Womenhistory.about.com ())

Elizabeth Cady Stanton's unfailing commitment to a cause she believed so highly in was honorable, and revealed a hero within a woman fighting to end the chains sexism brought upon females before equal rights were established. Two main factors in commitment are time and energy, and she continually dedicated her time, thoughts, and words, to the women's rights movement: "For 12 years, she toured the country as a lyceum speaker, focusing on the sexual exploitation of women and the need for the vote." ("Elizabeth Cady Stanton", Historic World Leaders) Stanton committed twelve years of her life to spread word of the cause, to ensure a better future for women, generations after her. Speaking out for the needs of women and the hardships they endured by simply being born female, she displayed faithfulness to the cause she spent her time striving for. Although many of Stanton's efforts failed, she stayed committed to help gaining an equal status between men and women: "... she decided to run for congress in New York's eighth district...Despite her efforts, Stanton received only 24 votes in the election."(Kester-Shelton) Commitment is remaining dedicated to a belief, action, or cause, despite the adversities and obstacles that may pressure one to quit their struggle to achieve their goals. Although Stanton's attempt to become a member of congress as a woman had failed, her stance as a women's rights leader never faltered. Despite various setbacks and harsh criticism, Elizabeth Cady Stanton remained committed to achieving the rights that were out of reach for women, she committed herself to making a difference.

Statue of Stanton, Anthony, and Mott. (www.flickr.com ())

Elizabeth Cady Stanton captivated the attention of individuals through her persistent courage, diligent leadership, constant commitment, and it was these heroic traits that aided in forming the world of equality we live in. She rose above the prejudgments by those who surrounded her, believing she and all other women could never be more than house wives. She proved to many she could become more than the standard woman of the 1800's through steadfast determination that pressed her to the success of opening the minds of people to view women as equals. The motivation she placed in the hearts of other women's rights leaders and many of her achievements have assisted in earning equal rights women nowadays have attained. Her invigorating words that never went unnoticed, even after her death, helped create the atmosphere I live in, where men and women possess the same amount of constitutional rights; the right to vote, equal custody of children, the ability to own land, the ability to hold a job in office, the chance to keep their own earnings, and the capability to create their own future are all available to women such as myself now. For that, Elizabeth Cady Stanton will always be a hero of mine. As a result of her inspirational words and motivating actions, Stanton began to prove the quote, "It is the mind that makes the body." (Sojourner Truth), to the ones who looked upon only the surface of women and chose not to see the individual within who was truly no different than themselves .