USSC Briefing Room | America at 250: Declaration of Sentiments vs the Declaration of Independence

26 August 2026

26 August marks 106 years since women were granted the right to vote in the United States, with the ratification of the 19th amendment. In the sixth and final episode in the on America at 250 series, we spoke with Lecturer in American Studies Dr Kathryn Schumaker to discuss her article: The Declaration of Independence and the women's and anti-slavery movements.

Podcast by

Dr Kathryn Schumaker

Senior Lecturer in American StudiesUnited States Studies Centre

Mari Koeck

Director of Engagement and ImpactUnited States Studies Centre

26 August 2026 marks 106 years since women were granted the right to vote in the United States, with the ratification of the 19th amendment. The journey towards voting equality is a complicated part of America’s history. While the Declaration of Independence declares equality for all, the battle for voting equality stretched long past the revolution.

What was the founders’ understanding of women’s rights? How did the womens and anti-slavery movements converge or diverge in American history? How does the Declaration of Sentiments compare with the Declaration of Independence?

In honour of America’s semiquincentennial, the USSC has published a compilations of essays and recent polling: Reflections on America at 250 and we are releasing a series of podcast episodes with the authors. In the sixth and final episode in the series we spoke with Lecturer in American Studies Dr Katy Schumaker to discuss her article: The Declaration of Independence and the women's and anti-slavery movements.

The Declaration of Independence and the women's and anti-slavery movements

In the spring of 1776, as the Continental Congress prepared to declare independence, Abigail Adams wrote to her husband, John, and exhorted him to “Remember the Ladies” as they formed a new government.

The Declaration of Independence and the women's and anti-slavery movements

In the spring of 1776, as the Continental Congress prepared to declare independence, Abigail Adams wrote to her husband, John, and exhorted him to “Remember the Ladies” as they formed a new government.