Jeannette Rankin made history in 1916 as the first woman elected to the United States Congress, a groundbreaking achievement that shattered political barriers long before women had the right to vote nationwide. Born in 1880 in Montana, Rankin was a suffragist, reformer, and relentless advocate for peace, women’s rights, and social justice.
A member of the Republican Party, Rankin took office in 1917 and immediately made headlines by voting against U.S. entry into World War I—a bold move that defined her as a principled pacifist. Though controversial, her stance was consistent with her lifelong belief in nonviolence and diplomacy.
After her first term, Rankin continued her activism, working with national women’s organizations and helping secure the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted American women the right to vote in 1920. She returned to Congress in 1940, just in time to cast the only vote against declaring war on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Once again, she stood alone for peace, facing fierce criticism but never wavering in her convictions.
Rankin’s influence extended far beyond the halls of Congress. She became a symbol of courage, conscience, and feminist leadership, inspiring future generations of women in politics. In the 1960s and ’70s, she marched with young activists against the Vietnam War, proving that her dedication to peace was lifelong.
Jeannette Rankin died in 1973 at age 92, but her legacy endures. As the first woman in Congress and a fearless voice for pacifism and equality, she left an indelible mark on American history.
