National American Woman Suffrage Association

Definition

The National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) was an organization formed in 1890 that aimed to secure voting rights for women across the United States. It united various suffrage groups and played a pivotal role in advocating for women's suffrage, emphasizing state-by-state campaigns while also pushing for a constitutional amendment to grant women the right to vote. NAWSA's strategies included lobbying, grassroots organizing, and public education efforts, which helped to raise awareness and support for women's voting rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAWSA was formed from the merger of the National Woman Suffrage Association and the American Woman Suffrage Association in 1890.
2. The organization was instrumental in organizing campaigns and rallies that educated the public about women's suffrage and mobilized support.
3. Under the leadership of figures like Susan B. Anthony and later Carrie Chapman Catt, NAWSA shifted its focus from state-level victories to advocating for a federal constitutional amendment.
4. In Georgia, NAWSA played a significant role in coordinating efforts for women's suffrage, as local activists worked alongside national leaders to push for voting rights.
5. The organization's effective use of media and public speaking helped bring national attention to the issue of women's suffrage, paving the way for future activism.

Review Questions

• How did the National American Woman Suffrage Association influence local suffrage movements in states like Georgia?
  • NAWSA had a significant impact on local suffrage movements by providing resources, strategies, and national attention to state efforts. In Georgia, local suffragists connected with NAWSA's broader campaigns, utilizing their materials and support to advocate for women's voting rights. This collaboration helped amplify their message and encouraged more women to get involved in activism at both local and state levels.
• Evaluate the strategies used by NAWSA to achieve its goals and how they evolved over time.
  • NAWSA initially focused on state-by-state campaigns for women's suffrage but later recognized the need for a federal approach. Their strategies evolved to include lobbying Congress for a constitutional amendment while still supporting grassroots organizing and public education. This dual approach helped mobilize a larger base of support across diverse regions, adapting to both local and national challenges faced during the suffrage movement.
• Analyze the significance of NAWSA's contributions towards the passage of the 19th Amendment and its lasting impact on women's rights in Georgia.
  • NAWSA's relentless advocacy for women's suffrage was pivotal in the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women nationwide the right to vote. Their emphasis on organized campaigns, public engagement, and coalition-building played a crucial role in changing public opinion about women's voting rights. In Georgia, this laid the groundwork for future movements aimed at advancing women's rights, showing that organized efforts could lead to tangible political change and inspiring subsequent generations of activists.

Related terms

Susan B. Anthony: A prominent leader in the women's suffrage movement who co-founded NAWSA and dedicated her life to advocating for women's rights, including the right to vote.

Suffragette: A term used primarily in the UK to refer to women who campaigned for the right to vote, often through militant actions and protests.

19th Amendment: The constitutional amendment ratified in 1920 that granted women the right to vote in the United States, largely due to the efforts of organizations like NAWSA.