In our ongoing series #WomenThatDid, ENTITY profiles inspirational and famous women in history whose impact on our world can still be felt today. If you have a suggestion for a historical powerhouse you would like to see featured, tweet us with the hashtag #WomenThatDid.
Name: Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Lifetime: November 12, 1815 – October 26, 1902
What she’s known for: Elizabeth Cady Stanton was one of the leaders of the women’s rights movements during the 1800s. An abolitionist, feminist and excellent writer, Stanton was given an intellectual education.She, Lucretia Mott and several others held the famous Seneca Falls Convention in July of 1848 where she penned the Declaration of Sentiments. It was a revolutionary call for women’s rights across all walks of life.
During the Civil War Stanton was an outspoken abolitionist, but after she focused more on women’s rights. In 1868 she and Susan B. Anthony worked together on a newspaper called The Revolution. Not stopping at just that, she also helped create the National Women Suffrage Association, of which she was president for more than 20 years.
She traveled around the country giving speeches, some about adding an amendment to the Constitution allowing for women to vote, some about encouraging women to get an education. In fact, from 1878 to 1919 — the year the 19th amendment was ratified — a new suffrage bill was introduced to Congress.
Why We Love Her: Elizabeth Cady Stanton is one of the biggest reasons the 19th amendment was ratified. Through her tireless activism and bravery, she changed the way several people viewed women.
Fun Fact: Her famous cousin, Gerrit Smith, introduced her to her future husband, Henry Brewster Stanton.
