National Woman Suffrage Association

Definition

The National Woman Suffrage Association was a political organization formed in 1869 that advocated for the right of women to vote in the United States. It played a crucial role in the women's suffrage movement, working to secure the passage of the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The National Woman Suffrage Association was founded in 1869 by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, two of the most influential leaders in the women's suffrage movement.
2. The organization focused on securing a federal amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would grant women the right to vote, in contrast to the American Woman Suffrage Association which pursued a state-by-state strategy.
3. The National Woman Suffrage Association played a pivotal role in the decades-long struggle for women's suffrage, organizing rallies, lobbying Congress, and educating the public on the importance of voting rights for women.
4. The association's efforts were crucial in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which prohibited any denial of voting rights based on sex and effectively granted women the right to vote.
5. The National Woman Suffrage Association's unwavering commitment to a federal amendment and its refusal to compromise on the issue of women's suffrage was a key factor in its ultimate success.

Review Questions

• Describe the primary goal and strategy of the National Woman Suffrage Association in the women's suffrage movement.
  • The National Woman Suffrage Association's primary goal was to secure a federal amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would grant women the right to vote. In contrast to the American Woman Suffrage Association's state-by-state approach, the National Woman Suffrage Association focused its efforts on lobbying Congress and educating the public on the importance of a nationwide, constitutional solution to women's disenfranchisement. This federal amendment strategy, championed by leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, ultimately proved successful with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.
• Analyze the significance of the National Woman Suffrage Association's role in the decades-long struggle for women's suffrage.
  • The National Woman Suffrage Association played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement, serving as a driving force behind the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment. Through its unwavering commitment to a federal solution, the organization organized rallies, lobbied Congress, and tirelessly educated the public on the importance of voting rights for women. The association's refusal to compromise on this issue, even in the face of setbacks, was a key factor in its ultimate success. By maintaining a focused, national strategy, the National Woman Suffrage Association was able to build the necessary momentum and public support to secure the constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the National Woman Suffrage Association's efforts on the advancement of women's rights and political participation in the United States.
  • The National Woman Suffrage Association's legacy extends far beyond the passage of the 19th Amendment. By successfully securing the constitutional right for women to vote, the association paved the way for increased political participation and representation of women in all levels of government. This, in turn, enabled women to advocate for and enact further reforms and legislation that advanced their rights and opportunities in society. The association's unwavering commitment to a federal solution, rather than a piecemeal, state-by-state approach, demonstrated the power of a unified, national movement in effecting lasting change. The National Woman Suffrage Association's impact can be seen in the increased political influence and leadership of women in the decades following the 19th Amendment, as well as the continued efforts to expand and protect voting rights for all citizens.

Related terms

Women's Suffrage Movement: A social and political movement that sought to secure the right for women to vote in elections.

19th Amendment:

The constitutional amendment passed in 1920 that prohibited any denial of voting rights based on sex, effectively granting women the right to vote.

Susan B. Anthony:

A prominent American civil rights leader who was a key figure in the women's suffrage movement and a co-founder of the National Woman Suffrage Association.