I believe there were two key developments in the mid-1800's that led to Seneca Falls, namely the abolitionist movement and steady pressure from the Quakers. The Quakers, or Religious Society of Friends, were founded in the 1600's in England and had a fundamental belief in the dignity of all people. They were persecuted in England, but flourished in the US. Although many Quakers owned slaves through the 1700's, there were early members who spoke out against the practice. The message slowly got through and by the late 1700's most northern states had outlawed the practice. Many of the notable meetings and events in the US abolitionist movement were organized or motivated by Quakers.
By 1830, society was in an upheaval in the US. This period in American history has some similarities to the 1960's. Many people were questioning past practices and many others felt threatened by the changes. Inspired by the abolitionist movement, women of the time saw an opportunity to improve their lives. Again, the Quakers played a key role. A group of local New York Quaker women were the key organizers of the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention, along with non-Quaker Elizabeth Stanton. This was the first, or at least most notable, meeting to advance the status of women. Famous participants were Lucretia Mott, a Quaker from Philadelphia known for her speaking skills, and Frederick Douglass, the renowned African American abolitionist and orator.
Lucretia Mott
