Not for Ourselves Alone:The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Susan B. Anthony

Not for Ourselves Alone: The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Susan B. Anthony is an impressive and immersive historical documentary broadcast by PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) in 1969. The series reflects the attainment of women's rights in the United States through the exploration of the intense commitment, works, and profound legacies of two of the movement's crucial trailblazers.

The documentary traces the lengthy struggle for women's rights portraiting two remarkably renowned pioneers, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Both women are widely recognized as crucial figures in the history of the American Woman’s Suffrage movement, and this ground-breaking series delves into their lives, their extraordinary friendship, and their ceaseless struggle to secure women's right to vote. The title Not for Ourselves Alone is stemmed from Stanton’s writings, implying a belief in selflessness and their firm belief in the betterment of the society, which underpinned their lifelong endeavors.

The series seeks to provide a comprehensive insight into the personalities and the times of these two radical and forward-thinking women. For over half a century, both friends and activists fought for women's social and political rights in the United States, challenging sexist norms and institutions to demand rights and liberties for females in a male-dominated society. This documentary seeks to paint an intimate portrait of Stanton and Anthony, celebrating their shared vision of an equitable society and their determination to effect change for all women.

Presenting a blend of detailed narrations, live-action reenactments, and expertly crafted archival materials, Not for Ourselves Alone guides viewers through the lives of these iconic figures, highlighting the extensive overlap of their work. Stanton, a brilliant writer and speaker was the intellectual powerhouse behind much of the movement’s slogans and philosophies. Anthony, on the other hand, was instrumental in their practical implementation, dedicating her life to the organization and mobilization of campaigns nationwide, tirelessly advocating for women’s suffrage.

At its core, the documentary examines the fundamental moments and significant aspects of Stanton and Anthony’s lifelong activism, from their formative years and personal influences to the conception of their remarkable friendship and productive partnership. The series juxtaposes the personal and the political, shedding light on how these women’s private spheres often overlapped with their public commitments, and how these intersections influenced their activism and struggle for women’s suffrage.

In addition to providing a courageous narrative on Stanton and Anthony’s work, the series also focuses on the broader socio-political context of the 19th century. It grounds the viewer in the setting of a pre-Civil War America, speaks about the Abolitionist Movement, the tensions during the war, the post-war period, and enhancements in communication and transportation. Thus, it provides a broader perspective on their struggle for women’s suffrage within the broader national and international movements for human rights and emancipation.

The series doesn’t shy away from the obstacles, disappointments, and disagreements faced by Stanton and Anthony. It honestly depicts the problems these pioneers encountered within the suffrage movement, including the divisions and political maneuverings that sometimes hindered progress. It also presents the personal sacrifices they made along the way - the bittersweet elements of their lives, which added to the richness and complexity of their story.

While Stanton and Anthony didn’t live to see the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, their tireless work laid a sturdy foundation for the achievement. Not for Ourselves Alone is a tribute to these pioneering women, encapsulating the essence of their sacrifices, endurance, and visionary thinking. Ingrained with powerful storytelling and historical depth, the documentary reverberates the voices of these two extraordinary women who fought persistently for equality, embodying the spirit of their believe that they were acting not just for themselves, but for the good of all women. The story this documentary presents acts as a timely reminder of the change that determined individuals can bring about, illuminating crucial chapters of women’s history.