The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions at the Seneca Falls Convention was fashioned to resemble the Declaration of Independence. In doing this, the authors of the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions have written a document which seems to be straightforward in listing their grievances with the patriarchal society and oppression of women.
However, in listing the grievances, the document seems to be quite critical of any opposition by women. The document even lists as one of their resolutions that women "may no longer publish their degradation by declaring themselves satisfied with their present position, nor their ignorance, by asserting that they have the rights they want." Furthermore, the document provides one with a sense of the anger felt by the authors. They consistently point out the oppression that women have suffered at the hands of men and repeat these points several times throughout the document. .
The Declaration at Seneca Falls has twelve main demands or resolutions. The main demands are that laws which prohibit women from occupying certain positions in society be overturned, to acknowledge that woman is man's equal, women should be enlightened to the laws which govern them, women be allowed to speak at religious gatherings, women be treated equal in regards to virtue, delicacy, and refinement of behavior required in society, and women secure their right to vote. These demands are legitimized through religious references to "nature and nature's God." This reference is used to justify the equality of the sexes through a religious reference, as well as a reference to the language in our nations founding documents. Furthermore, by using the same language as the Declaration of Independence, the authors have used the same reasoning, that our founding fathers used to create this nation, to make their point for equality of the sexes and legitimize their demands. .
The main demands offer many benefits which are both psychological and material.
