HIST 110 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Oberlin College, Congregational Church, Columbia District
Document Summary
The women"s rights movement, demonstrated by the events of wednesday, February 21, 1838, had its origins in the campaign to end slavery. A small, blue-eyed, curly-haired woman stood in front of the. Massachusetts state legislature that day and delivered a speech that made history. Angelina grimk , known by the press as "devil-ina," had become the first woman to address a legislative body. Early leaders of the abolitionist movement were she and her sister sarah, and on february 21 they represented the 20,000 massachusetts women who had signed a petition to end slavery. The attendance at the speech was impressive. Legislature leaders have had to fight their way to their seats. The aisles and lobby had been packed, and many had to be turned away at the doors after waiting for an hour. But those who remained were not disappointed, for that strong speaker shocked friends and foes alike when angelina grimk rose to her feet.
