National American Woman Suffrage Association
In the 19th century, two women's rights groups formed; the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) and the American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA). The NWSA was led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. The NWSA's focus was changing federal law. The NWSA wanted an amendment passed that would grant women the right to vote. The AWSA was formed by Lucy Stone. The AWSA also focused much of their efforts on the state level.
The two groups competed for membership. AWSA was larger, had more contributors and thus funds at their disposal, but only had a regional reach. The NWSA had a state- wide network and drew in many activists around the nation. In the late 1880's and early 1890's many women joined these movements and this influx in membership helped the NWSA and AWSA join together and form one organization, The National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). |
Time-line of Organization Milestones
The first members of the NAWSA.
Hover over images for a summary.
Hover over images for a summary.