Carrie Chapman Catt

Definition

Carrie Chapman Catt was a prominent American suffragist and women's rights activist who played a key role in the women's suffrage movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She is best known for her leadership of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) and her strategy of using state-by-state campaigns to secure voting rights for women, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carrie Chapman Catt developed the 'Winning Plan' in 1916, which aimed to secure women's suffrage through a combination of state and national strategies.
2. She was instrumental in organizing the first-ever women's suffrage parade in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 1913, which brought national attention to the cause.
3. Catt served as president of NAWSA twice, first from 1900 to 1904 and then from 1915 to 1920, leading the organization through critical moments in the fight for women's voting rights.
4. In addition to her suffrage work, Catt was a strong advocate for international peace and founded the League of Women Voters after the passage of the 19th Amendment to help educate voters.
5. Catt's efforts contributed significantly to the eventual ratification of the 19th Amendment, reflecting her belief that women's participation in politics was essential for a healthy democracy.

Review Questions

• How did Carrie Chapman Catt's leadership style influence the strategies employed by the National American Woman Suffrage Association?
  • Carrie Chapman Catt's leadership emphasized strategic planning and organization within NAWSA. Her 'Winning Plan' introduced a dual approach that combined grassroots activism at the state level with national lobbying efforts. This method not only mobilized local suffragists but also created a unified front to advocate for women's voting rights across the country, ultimately leading to more effective campaigns and heightened visibility for the movement.
• Discuss the impact of Carrie Chapman Catt's advocacy on women's suffrage and its connection to broader social reforms during her time.
  • Carrie Chapman Catt's advocacy played a crucial role in advancing women's suffrage, which was part of a larger movement for social reforms in the early 20th century. Her work not only helped secure the right to vote but also connected women's suffrage with other issues such as education, labor rights, and public health. By framing suffrage as essential for improving society, Catt positioned women as active participants in democracy, paving the way for future social reforms.
• Evaluate Carrie Chapman Catt's contributions to both women's suffrage and subsequent political engagement following the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
  • Carrie Chapman Catt's contributions to women's suffrage were monumental, particularly through her leadership of NAWSA and her strategic approaches that culminated in the 19th Amendment's ratification. After achieving this milestone, she did not step back; instead, she founded the League of Women Voters to promote political participation among women. Catt's vision extended beyond suffrage, advocating for informed voter engagement and public policy involvement, thus ensuring that women continued to play an active role in shaping democracy.

Related terms

National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA): An organization formed in 1890 that united two major women's suffrage groups, focusing on achieving voting rights for women through state and federal efforts.

19th Amendment: The constitutional amendment ratified in 1920 that granted women the right to vote, marking a significant victory for the women's suffrage movement.

Suffragette: A term used to describe women who actively worked to secure voting rights for themselves and other women, especially in the early 20th century.