In June 1840, delegates to the World Anti-Slavery Convention in London, England, debated whether the American women should participate. The Reverend A. Harvey, an Englishman, made the following comment.

Question

"It was stated by a brother from America, that with him it is a matter of conscience, and it is a question of conscience with me too. I have certain views in relation to the teaching of the Word of God, and of the place in which woman is to act. I must say whether I am right in my interpretations of the Word of God or not, that my own decided convictions are, if I were to give a vote in favor of females, sitting and deliberating in such an assembly as this, that I should be acting in opposition to the plain teaching of the Word of God. I may be wrong, but I have a conscience on the subject, and I am sure there are a number present of the same mind."

List three key phrases or points from the document.
(One has been done for you.) How does this document help you to answer the essential question?

The document illustrates a direct connection between the womans rights movement through the persoective of Soujourner Truth, who represents boh struggles.
• Reverend Harvey thought women should not participate at World Anti-Slavery Convention.
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Answer 1

• Reverend Harvey cited his interpretations of the Word of God as justification for excluding women from deliberative roles.
• He acknowledged the presence of others who shared his viewpoint, suggesting a collective sentiment against female participation.
• His stance reflects the broader societal attitudes of the time regarding gender roles and women's agency.

This document helps to answer the essential question by highlighting the opposition women faced, even within movements advocating for social justice, such as anti-slavery. It underscores the intersection of gender and social reform, demonstrating that resistance to women's rights was prevalent even among those fighting for other forms of equality, thus shedding light on the complexities of the women's rights movement.