Comparing The Declaration of Sentiments to
the Declaration of Independence
Dave Witzig
Normal Community High School

Vital Theme and Narrative
Values, beliefs, political ideas, and institutions

Habit of the Mind
perceive past events and issues as they were experienced by people at the time, to develop historical empathy as opposed to present-mindedness.

Objective

• For the student to understand two primary sources: The Declaration of Sentiments & the Declaration of Independence.
• For the student to compare/contrast the two primary sources.

Procedures

SENECA FALLS CONVENTION

1. Summarize the convention (Info on Seneca Falls http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/17.htm
2. Read the Sentiments: Seneca Falls Convention http://www.closeup.org/sentimnt.htm#sentiments
3. Identify two main grievances contained within the document
   1. Question for Student: Which grievances are still around today and are they legitimate?
   2. Question for Student: What are your overall thoughts of this document?
4. Read the Declaration of Independence
   1. Question for Student: What are the similarities and differences between the Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of Sentiments? List three of each.
   2. Question for Student: Why do think women used the Declaration of Independence as a model?
   3. Question for Student: Where did the authors of the Declaration of Independence get their ideas?
   4. Question for Student: What is the most important part of the Declaration of Independence. Summarize the Declaration of Independence in a paragraph.