Women’s Suffrage Movement Leadership: Carrie Chapman Catt Signed 1945 Autograph Quotation on Social Progress

Carrie Chapman Catt

Manuscripts & Autographs

Catt, Carrie Chapman. Autograph quotation written in 1945 by the American reformer who led the final national campaign that secured ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote in the United States. Carrie Chapman Catt emerged as a central figure in the American women’s suffrage movement during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, succeeding Susan B. Anthony as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association and directing the coordinated political strategy known as the “Winning Plan.” Written during the closing months of the Second World War, this manuscript quotation expresses Catt’s long held belief in the advancement of democratic rights and international cooperation following decades of reform activism.

Catt, Carrie Chapman. Autograph Quotation Signed. March 16, 1945. One page. In her hand Catt writes a brief reflection on human progress: “Despite crime, war and bloodshed, the human race is marching toward a better world.” She signs the quotation in full, “Carrie Chapman Catt.” The statement reflects Catt’s lifelong advocacy for democratic reform, international cooperation, and social progress following the political victory of the American women’s suffrage movement.

Catt played a decisive role in the organizational and political campaign that resulted in the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920. Already active in suffrage work during the 1890s, she rose to national prominence after her appointment in 1895 as chairman of the organization committee for field work of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. In 1900 she succeeded Susan B. Anthony as president of the organization, and in 1904 she helped establish the International Woman Suffrage Alliance, serving as its president until 1923. After the adoption of women’s voting rights in the United States, Catt remained active in international movements promoting peace and democratic cooperation. The quotation written in 1945 appears at the end of World War II, a moment when global institutions and democratic reforms were again under discussion. Accompanied by an issue of Time magazine dated June 14, 1926 featuring Catt on the cover. Light handling wear; overall excellent condition. A reflective manuscript statement by one of the principal architects of American women’s suffrage.

Item #14780

Price: $950.00