Carrie Chapman Catt

(1859–1947) Carrie began working for woman suffrage in Iowa in 1887. In 1900 she succeeded Susan B. Anthony as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), and held that position until 1904. In 1902 she founded the International Woman Suffrage Alliance (IWSA) and served as president until 1923, with affiliates eventually being founded in Australia, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Norway, Sweden and the United States.

After accepting another term as president of NAWSA in 1915, Carrie worked for the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which would grant suffrage to women. At a convention marking NAWSAs 50th anniversary Carrie announced the founding of the League of Women Voters (LWV), which would succeed the NAWSA and enable women to become informed voters. The 19th Amendment was eventually ratified on August 26, 1920.

In 1915 she helped establish the Woman's Peace Party, and helped to organize the Committee on the Cause and Cure of War in 1925, serving as chair until 1932. Following World War I she campaigned for American participation in the League of Nations and later the United Nations. (Bio by: Diane Carmichael Blank)