National American Woman Suffrage Association

Definition

The National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) was a key organization in the women's suffrage movement, formed in 1890 to advocate for women's right to vote. It aimed to unite various women's suffrage organizations and played a crucial role in the campaign for women's voting rights at both state and federal levels, emphasizing a peaceful and legal approach to securing suffrage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAWSA was formed by merging two earlier organizations: the National Woman Suffrage Association and the American Woman Suffrage Association.
2. The organization was led by notable figures like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who were instrumental in advocating for women's rights.
3. NAWSA focused on state-by-state campaigns for suffrage, as well as lobbying efforts at the national level, gaining support from various political leaders.
4. The organization emphasized a non-violent approach, utilizing petitions, public demonstrations, and educational campaigns to garner support for women's voting rights.
5. NAWSA's efforts culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment, which marked a significant victory in the long struggle for women's suffrage in America.

Review Questions

• How did the formation of NAWSA impact the strategies employed in the women’s suffrage movement?
  • The formation of NAWSA significantly impacted the strategies of the women's suffrage movement by creating a unified front that combined various local and national efforts. By bringing together different factions within the movement, NAWSA could coordinate more effectively, utilizing a strategy that included both grassroots activism and lobbying efforts. This collaboration allowed for a stronger voice advocating for women's voting rights, leading to more organized campaigns at both state and federal levels.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of NAWSA's approach to securing women’s suffrage compared to other suffrage organizations.
  • NAWSA's approach, which emphasized a peaceful and legalistic strategy, proved effective in garnering broad support across various demographics, including politicians and everyday citizens. However, it faced criticism for being too conservative compared to other organizations like the National Woman's Party led by Alice Paul, which adopted more militant tactics. This contrast highlights how different methodologies within the suffrage movement addressed challenges and mobilized supporters toward the common goal of achieving voting rights for women.
• Analyze the long-term effects of NAWSA's efforts on subsequent women’s rights movements beyond suffrage.
  • The long-term effects of NAWSA's efforts on subsequent women's rights movements are profound and multifaceted. By laying the groundwork for political advocacy and highlighting women's capabilities as active citizens, NAWSA helped pave the way for later movements focused on issues such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and broader civil rights. The organization's commitment to organizing and mobilizing women also inspired future generations of activists who would build on its legacy, demonstrating that the fight for equality encompasses various aspects of social justice beyond just voting rights.

Related terms

Suffragists: Individuals who actively campaigned for the right to vote, particularly women advocating for suffrage.

19th Amendment: The constitutional amendment ratified in 1920 that granted women the right to vote in the United States.

Alice Paul: A prominent suffragist and women's rights activist who played a key role in the final push for the 19th Amendment and was known for her more militant tactics compared to NAWSA.