Births on January 9

Carrie Chapman Catt, American activist, founded the League of Women Voters and International Alliance of Women (d. 1947)

Carrie Chapman Catt: A Visionary Leader Championing Women's Suffrage and Civic Engagement

Carrie Chapman Catt, born Carrie Clinton Lane on January 9, 1859, and passing on March 9, 1947, stands as a towering figure in American history, primarily recognized for her profound leadership in the women's suffrage movement. As an astute and strategic campaigner, Catt was instrumental in securing the passage and ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920. This landmark amendment finally granted American women the fundamental right to vote, concluding a struggle that spanned over seven decades and redefined the landscape of civic participation in the nation.

Her unwavering dedication and pragmatic approach were crucial in bringing the suffrage movement to its ultimate success. Catt understood the intricate political landscape and developed sophisticated strategies to navigate it, ultimately leading to one of the most significant expansions of democracy in U.S. history.

Leading the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA)

Catt's leadership within the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) was pivotal. She served two crucial terms as president: first from 1900 to 1904, and then during the critical final push from 1915 to 1920. During her second tenure, Catt introduced her renowned "Winning Plan," a meticulously crafted strategy designed to achieve suffrage through a two-pronged approach. This plan advocated for simultaneous campaigns at both state and federal levels, adapting tactics to local political conditions while maintaining a unified national objective for a constitutional amendment. This pragmatic and organized approach helped to revitalize and focus the diverse energies of the suffrage movement, creating a formidable force for change.

The Triumph of the Nineteenth Amendment

The culmination of Carrie Chapman Catt's efforts was the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment. In 1919, she effectively "led an army of voteless women," organizing a nationwide campaign that applied immense and targeted pressure on members of Congress to pass the constitutional amendment. This extensive lobbying effort, combined with years of public education and advocacy, finally saw the amendment pass both houses of Congress. The subsequent challenge lay in securing ratification by at least 36 state legislatures. Catt's organizational genius was again on full display as she mobilized suffragists across the country, convincing state legislatures to approve the amendment throughout 1920. The final, decisive vote came in Tennessee in August 1920, solidifying the right to vote for millions of American women and marking a monumental victory for democracy and equality.

Establishing Enduring Legacies: The League of Women Voters and International Advocacy

Catt's vision extended far beyond merely winning the vote; she recognized the ongoing need for informed and active civic participation. In 1920, immediately following the Nineteenth Amendment's ratification, she founded the League of Women Voters (LWV). This non-partisan organization was established to educate women about their newfound civic responsibilities, encourage informed participation in elections, and advocate for public policy. Today, the League of Women Voters remains a vital force in American democracy, continuing Catt's legacy of promoting voter education and engagement.

Her commitment to women's rights also transcended national borders. In 1904, Catt founded the International Woman Suffrage Alliance, an organization dedicated to advancing women's political and social rights globally. This alliance, later renamed the International Alliance of Women, played a crucial role in fostering international cooperation among women's rights advocates and continues its important work today, reflecting Catt's expansive vision for global equality.

Carrie Chapman Catt's Enduring Influence

Carrie Chapman Catt was undoubtedly one of the most prominent and influential women in the United States during the first half of the twentieth century. Her strategic brilliance, unwavering dedication, and exceptional organizational skills were instrumental in achieving the single largest enfranchisement in American history. Beyond her direct role in suffrage, Catt also championed causes such as peace and disarmament, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to social justice and the betterment of humanity. Her legacy continues to inspire those who strive for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carrie Chapman Catt

Who was Carrie Chapman Catt?

Carrie Chapman Catt was a pivotal American leader in the women's suffrage movement, best known for her strategic role in securing the passage and ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the United States in 1920.

When did American women gain the right to vote?

American women gained the right to vote in 1920 with the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a monumental achievement largely spearheaded by leaders like Carrie Chapman Catt.

What was the "Winning Plan"?

The "Winning Plan" was Carrie Chapman Catt's strategic approach, developed around 1916, for achieving women's suffrage. It involved simultaneously lobbying for a federal constitutional amendment while also pursuing suffrage through state-by-state campaigns, tailoring tactics to specific local and national political conditions.

Which organizations did Carrie Chapman Catt found?

Carrie Chapman Catt founded two significant organizations: the League of Women Voters in 1920, which continues to promote informed voter participation, and the International Woman Suffrage Alliance (now the International Alliance of Women) in 1904, which advocates for women's rights globally.

How long did Carrie Chapman Catt serve as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA)?

Carrie Chapman Catt served two terms as president of NAWSA: from 1900 to 1904, and again during the crucial final phase of the suffrage movement, from 1915 to 1920.