Speech Before Congress Rhetorical Analysis

Three years after “Speech before Congress” was delivered by Carrie Chapman Catt, a well-known leader of the women's suffragist movement, were women granted the right to vote and receive all rights as citizens. Catt’s speech was a major stepping stone for Congress to pass the 19th amendment. Her passion and dedication to the movement helped further her cause because it gave the men in congress a call to action. She was able to deliver her speech in a manner which was persuasive to congress because it encompassed all the rhetorical appeals. Catt crafted her argument by presenting herself with authority and knowledge, using undeniable logic by referring to historical precedence, and evoking sympathy and patriotism in her audience by describing

She uses the words of the men that built this country to the great country it is today. She reminded the men of Congress that the colonist fought the British in order to end tyranny and the injustices of being unfranchised; and how the men of this country were still reigning over women the same way. “Taxation without representation is tyranny,” American colonists first realized this when the British did not allow them government representation, yet charged them unfair taxes (64). Women at this time were paying taxes and were not receiving any benefit as citizens for doing so. That would resonate with her audience because as men of Congress they know the history of their ancestors and the trials they went through in order to receive benefits as citizens and now that they have them they also know the importance of fighting for them. They would also know what is like to be heard in the government and make decisions about their tax dollars, and how they would not give up those rights. Catt wanted them to realize that even though women are paying billions in taxes they did not have representation or a voice in the government, because they were technically not seen as citizens. The men would realize that they had no right to be so unfair with women because it’s the same double standard the colonists fought decades ago. Like the colonist, women are being governed without their consent. However to truly lead, “Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed” Catt wanted to reiterate to the men of Congress.