Born: 1859 (Ripon, Wisconsin)
Died: 1947
Biography:
Carrie Chapman Catt, born Carrie Clinton Lane on January 9, 1859, in Ripon, Wisconsin, was a prominent American women’s suffrage leader who dedicated her life to the fight for women’s rights and equality. Catt played a crucial role in the campaign for the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. Her tireless efforts and strategic leadership paved the way for the attainment of this fundamental right for millions of women across the nation.
As a child, Catt developed an avid interest in science and dreamt of becoming a doctor. Her family moved to rural Charles City, Iowa when she was seven years old. Despite initial reluctance from her father, Catt enrolled at Iowa Agricultural College (now Iowa State University) in Ames, Iowa in 1877. To support herself financially, she worked as a dishwasher, in the school library, and even taught at rural schools during breaks. Among a freshman class of 27 students, Catt was one of only six women.
During her time at Iowa State, Catt joined the Crescent Literary Society, a student organization with a focus on enhancing learning skills and self-confidence. She challenged the society’s policy that only allowed men to speak extemporaneously, demanding equal rights for women to participate. This led to a transformative discussion on women’s inclusion and ultimately granted them the right to speak at meetings. Catt also became a member of Pi Beta Phi, an influential women’s fraternity, and initiated an all-girls debate club. She was a vocal advocate for women’s participation in military drills, displaying her commitment to breaking down gender barriers.
In November 1880, Catt graduated from Iowa State with a Bachelor of Science degree. Her academic achievement was particularly remarkable as she was the only female graduate in her class. Although Iowa State did not name valedictorians during Catt’s time, her dedication and perseverance surely placed her among the top of her class.
Following graduation, Catt worked as a law clerk before transitioning into the field of education. In 1885, she became a teacher and later the superintendent of schools in Mason City, Iowa, becoming the first female superintendent of the district. Catt showcased her leadership and administrative skills during her tenure, setting an example for other women aspiring to excel in roles traditionally dominated by men.
In February 1885, Catt married Leo Chapman, a newspaper editor. However, their time together was cut tragically short as he passed away just a year into their marriage, leaving Catt widowed. Despite her personal loss, she remained resilient and continued her work towards achieving justice for women.
Catt’s involvement in the women’s suffrage movement began with her appointment as an organizer for the Iowa Woman Suffrage Association in 1887. She quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating her exceptional organizing abilities and impassioned advocacy for women’s rights. By 1900, she became the president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), a position she held until 1904.
Under Catt’s leadership, NAWSA flourished, and she implemented innovative strategies to advance the women’s suffrage cause. She believed in utilizing diplomacy, lobbying, and public persuasion to influence lawmakers and change societal attitudes. Catt’s persuasive skills and ability to mobilize supporters were instrumental in gaining support for the Nineteenth Amendment.
One of Catt’s most notable achievements was organizing an army of voteless women in 1919. Together, they exerted immense pressure on Congress to pass the constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote. Catt’s strategic campaigns and tireless advocacy led to the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment by state legislatures in 1920. This historic victory marked a significant milestone in the women’s rights movement and secured future progress for gender equality.
Beyond her national influence, Catt also made substantial contributions on an international scale. In 1904, she founded the International Woman Suffrage Alliance (later renamed the International Alliance of Women), an organization dedicated to promoting women’s suffrage worldwide. Catt’s efforts transcended national boundaries and connected women across the globe, solidifying the importance of women’s rights as a global issue.
Following the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment and the subsequent formation of the League of Women Voters in 1920, Catt continued to be an influential figure and advocate for women’s rights. She played an instrumental role in shaping the League’s mission and promoting citizen education on voting and public policy issues. Her commitment to empowering women to be active participants in democracy left an indelible mark on the political landscape of the United States.
Carrie Chapman Catt was one of the most prominent women in the United States during the first half of the twentieth century. Her dedication, strategic acumen, and unwavering determination contributed significantly to the advancement of women’s rights. Catt’s unwavering commitment to the cause and her well-earned place on lists of famous American women reflect her influential role in shaping women’s history.
Awards:
– National American Woman Suffrage Association Medal of Honor (1920)
– Susan B. Anthony Award (1932)
– American Women’s Association Medal (1934)
– Phi Beta Kappa Key (1942)