Women Rights in The Speech by Susan B. Anthony, "On Women's Right to Vote"

Introduction

There have been numerous speeches that have had an enormous effect on society; however, one will never forget the speech by Susan B. Anthony, “On Women's Right to Vote.” This speech stands out as one of the greatest in history because it delivered a powerful message to the citizens and residents of the United States. The speech was infused with emotion and logic. The way it changed America and influenced the thoughts of countless individuals is why I believe Anthony's speech is an extraordinary example of a motivational speech, utilizing ethos, pathos, and logos. The way Anthony constructed these elements in her speech, by presenting proper documents to support her facts and speaking from her perspective as a woman, is captivating. Anthony provides evidence for her claims and establishes her credibility, or ethos. After being fined 100 dollars for voting at a time when women were denied that right, she explained to the government why her actions were justified and why she refused to pay the fine.

Ethos: Establishing Credibility

In her speech, Anthony states, “I not only committed no crime, but, instead, simply exercised my citizen's rights, guaranteed to me and all United States citizens by the National Constitution, beyond the power of any state to deny” (Anthony, 1872). By presenting such evidence, she builds a strong foundational argument that she is a citizen of the United States, and thus, no one can deny her the right to vote. This provides a solid backing to her speech, making it difficult for anyone to claim she was wrong or to deny her claims since it is based on documentation that establishes fundamental rights and distinguishes America from other countries.

Logos: Logical Arguments

Anthony also explains, “It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union” (Anthony, 1872). She emphasizes that the Declaration's phrase “We the people” encompasses everyone who helped build America, not just men, but also women of the United States. This prompts people to reconsider and realize that women fought for the same rights, and ultimately, we are all equal, deserving of the same rights regardless of gender or birthplace.

With this in mind, Anthony advances her point using logos, or logic. The logic behind her speech is rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which states that “We the people of the United States” includes everyone, not just “we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union,” as Anthony emphasizes. She also cites definitions from Webster, Worcester, and Bouvier, which define a citizen as a person in the United States entitled to vote and hold office (Anthony, 1872). By using multiple authoritative sources, she demonstrates her knowledge and credibility, challenging the predominantly male audience to reconsider their stance and paving the way for her vision to become reality, as we know today, with women gaining the right to vote.

Pathos: Emotional Appeal

Last but not least, Susan B. Anthony employs pathos, or emotional appeal, in her speech to make it powerful and memorable, earning its place among the greatest speeches in history. The emotions Anthony conveys as a woman in the 1870s, strong enough to fight for her rights against the government and the men of the United States, resonate deeply. Her words are filled with conviction and backed by undeniable facts, highlighting the struggles women faced in having no voice. One poignant statement she makes is, “The only question left to be settled now is: Are women persons?” (Anthony, 1872). This challenges the audience to recognize that women deserve equal rights as men. By questioning the audience, she evokes introspection and emotional reflection, compelling them to acknowledge the long-standing injustice.

Finally, Anthony declares, “To them this government has no just powers derived from the consent of the governed. To them this government is not a democracy. It is not a republic. It is an odious aristocracy” (Anthony, 1872).

Conclusion

This powerful statement marked a turning point in her speech, addressing the nature of the government. By asserting this, Anthony effectively argues that the government fails to uphold the equality envisioned by America's founders if it does not allow women the opportunity to vote and achieve equality. This was not to be taken lightly and struck a chord with the audience, leading to a realization. For these reasons, Susan B. Anthony's speech “On Women's Right to Vote” was pivotal in advancing women's rights and altering the government's perspective on women. The effective use of pathos, ethos, and logos made this speech a powerful historical moment, granting women their rights and prompting people to recognize what women deserve. The emotional appeal in her speech made people listen to Anthony, while the logical arguments underscored America's foundational principles. Her credibility, demonstrated by speaking before hundreds and reaching millions, as a woman without rights but determined to secure them as an American, was transformative. Her refusal to pay the fine for voting without government permission ultimately changed the way society viewed women, a legacy that continues to this day.

References

• Anthony, S. B. (1872). On Women's Right to Vote.