Introduction
The National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) and the National Woman’s Party (NWP) were two prominent organizations that fought for women’s suffrage in the United States. While both organizations shared the ultimate goal of securing the vote for women, they differed significantly in their strategies, tactics, and membership. This article explores the key differences between NAWSA and the NWP, shedding light on the unique contributions and approaches of each organization to the women’s suffrage movement.
NAWSA: A Grassroots Approach
NAWSA, formed in 1890, represented the more traditional and gradual approach to women’s suffrage. Its membership comprised a diverse group of women, including suffragists, clubwomen, and reformers. NAWSA focused on building support for women’s suffrage through educational campaigns, lobbying, and state-by-state referendums.
One of NAWSA’s key strategies was to gain support from politicians and influence legislation. The organization worked to build relationships with members of Congress and state legislatures, pushing for the introduction and passage of suffrage bills. NAWSA also invested significant resources in educating the public about the importance of women’s suffrage through pamphlets, speeches, and press releases.
NWP: A Militant Approach
Founded in 1916, the NWP took a more militant approach to women’s suffrage. Its members, primarily led by Alice Paul, believed that more aggressive tactics were necessary to achieve their goal. The NWP employed a variety of unconventional strategies, including picketing the White House, hunger strikes, and civil disobedience.
The NWP’s most famous tactic was its “Silent Sentinels” campaign. Beginning in 1917, NWP members picketed the White House, holding signs and silently protesting President Wilson’s lack of support for a federal suffrage amendment. The Sentinels faced arrest, imprisonment, and violence from the police, but their actions drew national attention to the issue of women’s suffrage.
Key Differences
The main differences between NAWSA and the NWP can be summarized as follows:
1. Membership:
– NAWSA: Diverse membership, including suffragists, clubwomen, and reformers
– NWP: Primarily led by Alice Paul and her supporters
2. Strategies:
– NAWSA: Grassroots approach focused on education, lobbying, and state referendums
– NWP: Militant tactics, including picketing, hunger strikes, and civil disobedience
3. Tactics:
– NAWSA: Emphasis on building support and influencing legislation
– NWP: Use of unconventional tactics to draw attention and pressure the government
4. Membership:
– NAWSA: Larger membership, with chapters across the country
– NWP: Smaller membership, with a more concentrated focus on Washington, D.C.
Effectiveness
Both NAWSA and the NWP played significant roles in the women’s suffrage movement. NAWSA’s grassroots approach helped build a broad base of support for women’s suffrage, while the NWP’s militant tactics drew attention to the issue and pressured the government. In the end, the combined efforts of these two organizations, along with other suffrage groups and the support of the public, led to the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote.
Conclusion
The National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) and the National Woman’s Party (NWP) were two distinct organizations that played significant roles in the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. NAWSA employed a grassroots approach focused on education, lobbying, and state referendums, while the NWP adopted a more militant strategy involving picketing, hunger strikes, and civil disobedience. Despite their differences, both organizations shared the ultimate goal of securing the vote for women. Their combined efforts, along with the support of the public, ultimately led to the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, marking a major milestone in the fight for women’s rights.