We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. . . . —Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions What founding document is being imitated here and why?
The founding document being imitated here is the United States Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, which was written in 1848 at the Seneca Falls Convention, imitates the structure and language of the Declaration of Independence to advocate for women's rights. By using similar phrasing and concepts, the authors of the Declaration of Sentiments sought to emphasize the idea that women, like men, should be seen as equal in their rights and have the same opportunities for life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
