Lucretia Mott free essay sample

Nowadays, this simple statement is a part of our everyday thought. Back in the 1800’s, it was the complete opposite. African American’s were not treated equally; they were forced as slaves with no rights or opinions. Women also were not treated equally; they were deprived of rights that men had such as the ability to vote. Many people were outraged and fought out in a violent way, such as the civil war. Yet others had a different approach and fought out in a nonviolent way, otherwise known as civil disobedience. Lucretia Mott was a Quaker born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, who acted out in civil disobedience against the inequality of slaves and women. She set the foundation for the generations to come by raising awareness on anti-slavery and women’s rights. Her acts of civil disobedience eventually led to the women’s right to vote, and the freedom of slaves. Lucretia Mott committed many acts of civil disobedience throughout her lifetime. We will write a custom essay sample on Lucretia Mott or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page She gave speeches and sermons on anti-slavery and womans rights, she organized many conventions and was involved with many anti-slavery and womans rights associations, and she participated in acts against the government. Lucretia was known for her ability to give memorable speeches within her religious group, even though it was a period of time when women we not supposed to speak publicly. She used her speeches inform people on the horrors of slavery. She encouraged her listeners to boycott products that were made by slaves. She also used her speeches to inform people on the nonexistent womans rights. Lucretia published her speech, â€Å"Discourse on Women† arguing that women should have equal rights and that she wanted changes in the married womans property laws. She also organized many conventions and was involved with many associations. In 1866 Lucretia was elected the president of the American Equal Rights Association, an association that focused on giving rights to anyone, no matter race or gender. She also helped establish the Womans Rights Convention at Seneca Falls in 1848. The convention emphasized the role of women in society, and Mott was a speaker. She also attended the Worlds Anti-Slavery Convention in London, England, in which she was kicked out because of her gender. Lastly, Lucretia participated in acts against the government. The United States Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, claiming that any runaway slave must be returned to their master. Mott and others opened then opened their houses in the underground railroad, temporarily housing slaves. Lucretia had many reasons to why she wanted to play such a big role in anti-slavery and womans suffrage movements. She wanted to educate others, to make a change, and growing up she was against slavery. Mott’s religion taught her that education was important for both men and women. She wanted to educate other citizens on the harshness of slaves and how unfair the inequality between races and gender really were. Her ultimate goal was to leave an imprint on peoples minds about the inequality and change their minds. She also wanted to make a change. She wanted everyone to join her on getting the laws changed once and for all. She needed more people to side with her and the other womans suffrage advocates in order to really make a change, and change was what she wanted. She wanted everyone to be treated equal, and without change that would not be able to happen. Growing up Mott was immediately turned against slavery. She read a book about the slave trade and was horrified about the harsh realities. Once again comes the point of how she wanted everyone to be treated equal. She wanted equality and she needed to put an end to slavery. Everything Lucretia did was for a purpose, whether the outcome she wanted came immediately, or if it came later on in history. The short term results of Lucretia Motts acts of civil disobedience happened quickly and made an impact. She raised awareness to citizens about her causes. Lucretia was known for her ability to speak in public even though it was discouraged while she was growing up. A lot of people were willing to listen to her because of her strength in public speaking. She left a mark in peoples minds and ultimately raised awareness about the evils of slavery and the inequality between men and women. She also set footprints for the future generations to come. A lot of big results to her actions did not come until years later, but she set the foundation for future generations to build off of. The long term results are evident. Slavery was eventually abolished, and women were eventually granted the right to vote, and with that came the growing equality between men and women. The consequences of Lucretia’s actions were not evident. She was never largely punished for her civil disobedience. She was denied enterance to the World Anti-Slavery Convention in London, England, because of her gender. The unjust law she was trying to break was forced upon her. Lucretia Mott was a very influential person in history by her acts of civil disobedience. She stood up for what she believed in, and because of that everyone is treated equal today. Her acts of civil disobedience were worth it because of her influence on the future generations. She started a nonviolent revolution against the unjust laws of slavery and womans suffrage, and it has continually lived on ever since.