Carrie Chapman Catt

Carrie Chapman Catt, born Carrie Clinton Lane on January 9, 1859, in Ripon, Wisconsin, USA, was a leader of the women's suffrage movement in the United States. She played a key role in securing women's right to vote through the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 

Catt grew up in Iowa and worked to pay for her own college education. At Iowa Agricultural College, she challenged the rule that only men could speak without preparation in the literary society. After graduation, Catt became a school superintendent at age 26.

In 1890, Catt married George Catt. They agreed that he would support them financially so she could focus on reform work. Catt became involved in the suffrage movement and rose to leadership in the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).

As NAWSA president, Catt developed the "Winning Plan," which combined state and federal efforts to win voting rights. She led the organization during the final push for the 19th Amendment. It was ratified in 1920. This amendment gave women the right to vote nationwide.

Catt also worked for women's rights internationally. She helped create the International Woman Suffrage Alliance in 1904 and traveled the world for this cause. After the 19th Amendment passed, Catt founded the League of Women Voters to educate new female voters.

In her later years, Catt focused on peace efforts. She started the National Committee on the Cause and Cure of War. Catt also spoke out against anti-Semitism and helped Jewish refugees in the 1930s. She died of a heart attack at the age of 88 years on March 9, 1947.