National American Woman Suffrage Association

Definition

The National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) was an organization formed in 1890 to advocate for women's right to vote in the United States. It aimed to unite various suffrage groups and promote a coordinated campaign for women's enfranchisement at both state and national levels. The association played a crucial role in the women's suffrage movement, working tirelessly to change public opinion and gain political support for the cause.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAWSA was formed by merging two earlier suffrage organizations: the National Woman Suffrage Association and the American Woman Suffrage Association.
2. The organization was led by notable figures such as Susan B. Anthony and later Carrie Chapman Catt, who emphasized a state-by-state approach to securing voting rights.
3. NAWSA organized numerous campaigns, events, and lobbying efforts that contributed to raising awareness about women's suffrage across the nation.
4. The association played a significant role in mobilizing women voters and supporters, particularly during pivotal elections leading up to the passage of the 19th Amendment.
5. In 1920, following decades of activism by NAWSA and other suffrage advocates, women finally gained the legal right to vote through the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Review Questions

• How did the National American Woman Suffrage Association contribute to the overall strategy of the women's suffrage movement?
  • The National American Woman Suffrage Association was key in coordinating efforts between different women's suffrage groups, creating a united front that amplified their message. By adopting a state-by-state strategy while also pushing for national legislation, NAWSA effectively increased visibility for the cause. The organization helped unify diverse approaches and provided essential resources for local campaigns, making it one of the most influential entities in securing voting rights for women.
• Evaluate the impact of leadership figures within NAWSA on the organization's success in advocating for women's suffrage.
  • Leadership figures like Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt had a profound impact on NAWSA's success. Anthony brought experience and determination, helping to establish key strategies and partnerships. Catt's 'Winning Plan' further focused efforts on both state-level campaigns and national advocacy. Their leadership not only inspired many women to join but also attracted public support, which was crucial in achieving legislative milestones like the 19th Amendment.
• Analyze how the formation of NAWSA reflected broader societal changes regarding women's roles in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • The formation of NAWSA signified a transformative period where women began actively challenging their societal roles and demanding equal rights, including suffrage. This period saw increasing participation of women in public life, fueled by broader movements for social reform and labor rights. As women became more educated and organized, groups like NAWSA emerged to articulate their demands politically. This shift not only advanced the cause of women's voting rights but also laid foundational groundwork for future feminist movements.

Related terms

Susan B. Anthony: A prominent leader in the women's suffrage movement, co-founder of the NAWSA, and advocate for women's rights throughout the late 19th century.

Seneca Falls Convention: The first women's rights convention held in 1848, which marked the beginning of the organized women's suffrage movement in the United States.

19th Amendment: The constitutional amendment ratified in 1920 that granted women the right to vote, largely as a result of efforts by organizations like NAWSA.