November is often about gratitude, but as women, one of the biggest things we should be thankful for is our right to vote. It’s easy to take it for granted, but let’s not forget that this right wasn’t handed to us on a golden platter—it was earned through sheer grit and determination by women who refused to be silenced. Enter Elizabeth Cady Stanton, born on November 12, 1815, a trailblazer who made sure our voices would be heard. So, as we prepare to cast our ballots this November, let’s toast to Stanton, the woman who fought so we could speak our minds.
Story Time: Who Was Elizabeth Cady Stanton?
Elizabeth Cady Stanton wasn’t just your average 19th-century woman. No, Stanton was a force of nature who probably gave a few men of her time a good scare. While women were expected to embroider pillows and sip tea, Stanton was busy drafting revolutionary documents and demanding that women get a fair shake in society. Growing up under the watchful eye of her father, a prominent lawyer, she quickly learned that women were treated as little more than property—and she wasn’t having any of it.
But the real kicker? Stanton didn’t just complain about the problem; she did something about it. She joined forces with like-minded women, including her partner-in-crime, Susan B. Anthony. Together, they became the dynamic duo of the women’s rights movement, with Stanton writing the fiery speeches and Anthony delivering them with gusto. Talk about a match made in feminist heaven.
How She Did It: The Seneca Falls Convention and Beyond
In 1848, when most women were too busy sewing to speak out, Stanton, along with Lucretia Mott, decided it was high time for a revolution—so they organized the first Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York. It was here that Stanton penned the Declaration of Sentiments, a document that took the Declaration of Independence and gave it a feminist twist. The message was clear: “All men and women are created equal.” Radical? You bet. Necessary? Absolutely.
The Declaration of Sentiments listed 18 grievances, including the fact that women were denied the right to vote, to own property, and to get a decent education. Back then, this was the kind of thing that could get you labeled as "hysterical" (which was basically the 19th-century way of saying "too emotional to be taken seriously"). But Stanton didn’t back down. She knew that if women were ever going to be taken seriously, they needed to demand their rights—loudly and unapologetically.
And let’s not forget her legendary quote: “The best protection any woman can have… is courage.” If courage were currency, Stanton would have been richer than Rockefeller.
What We Learn from Her Story
Stanton’s life is a masterclass in not taking no for an answer. She faced ridicule, opposition, and a whole lot of side-eye, but she never wavered in her fight for equality. Thanks to her and the many women who stood alongside her, the 19th Amendment was finally passed in 1920, giving women the right to vote. And no, that didn’t come easy—it came after decades of pushing back against a society that preferred its women quiet and compliant.
But here’s the thing: Stanton’s story isn’t just a dusty old tale from the history books. It’s a reminder that the rights we enjoy today were hard-won. They weren’t handed to us; they were fought for. And if there’s one thing we can learn from Stanton, it’s that change doesn’t happen by waiting politely—it happens when we demand it.
Why It Matters Today
Fast forward to today, and sure, the world looks different—but the need for strong, informed voices is as crucial as ever. Whether you’re fired up about education, healthcare, or just making sure your neighborhood has decent street lighting, your vote is your voice. And it’s a powerful one, thanks to Stanton and her crew of unstoppable women.
So, as you head to the polls this November, channel your inner Stanton. Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in the middle, the important thing is to make your voice heard. After all, “The best protection any woman can have… is courage.” (And maybe a really good pair of shoes.)
We Believe In The Power Of Every Woman’s Voice
At RitmoFit XP, we believe in the power of every woman’s voice—whether you’re making waves in the voting booth or on the gym floor. Just like Stanton fought for our right to be heard, we’re here to help you take charge of your health and wellness. Because when it comes down to it, exercising your right to vote and exercising your body aren’t all that different—both require a little sweat, a lot of determination, and a belief that your actions can make a difference.
Join us at RitmoFit XP, where we draw inspiration from history’s fiercest women to empower you to lead, speak out, and take charge of your life. This November, let’s move, let’s vote, and let’s make our voices heard—because that’s what Stanton would want, and honestly, it’s what we all deserve.
A Final Thought
Stanton once said, “The history of the past is but one long struggle upward to equality.” Her words remind us that progress isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. As we celebrate her legacy, let’s continue that upward climb, one vote, one workout, and one bold move at a time.
References:
Stanton, Elizabeth Cady. Eight Years and More, 1815-1897: Reminiscences, 1815-1897. T. Fisher Unwin, 1898.
Quote: “The best protection any woman can have… is courage.”
Declaration of Sentiments from the Seneca Falls Convention, 1848.
Key Point: The Declaration laid out 18 grievances against gender inequalities, establishing a precedent for women's rights.
Anthony, Susan B., and Ida Husted Harper. The History of Woman Suffrage. Vol. 1, Fowler & Wells, 1881.
Overview: This work provides context on Stanton and Anthony’s partnership, documenting pivotal moments in the movement.
DuBois, Ellen Carol. Feminism and Suffrage: The Emergence of an Independent Women's Movement in America, 1848-1869. Cornell University Press, 1978.
Context: Analyzes the broader social and political climate of the 19th century, focusing on Stanton’s contributions and the Seneca Falls Convention.
Lutz, Alma. Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Pioneer of Women's Rights. Beacon Press, 1940.
Biographical Insight: Offers a detailed look into Stanton’s life, including her influence on the 19th Amendment and her partnership with Anthony.
The 19th Amendment, U.S. Constitution, ratified on August 18, 1920.
Relevance: Marks the success of decades of advocacy by Stanton, Anthony, and many others, giving women the right to vote.
National Park Service. “Elizabeth Cady Stanton House.” National Women’s Rights Historical Park, Seneca Falls, NY.
Historic Context: Provides information on the Seneca Falls Convention and Stanton’s life.
Stanton, Elizabeth Cady. “Address on Woman's Rights.” Delivered at Seneca Falls Convention, July 19-20, 1848.
Primary Source: Stanton’s own words in advocating for women’s equality.
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