Jeanette Rankin

Jeanette Rankin (1880-1973) was the first woman to serve in the United States Congress. Elected in 1916 as a representative from Montana, she played a significant role in advocating for women's suffrage and pacifism. Rankin's first notable achievement was her vote in favor of the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1919. Additionally, she cast a historic vote against entering World War I in 1917 and was the only member of Congress to vote against U.S. involvement in both World Wars. In 1940, she was re-elected to Congress, reinforcing her pacifist stance by voting against World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Rankin's career was marked by her unwavering commitment to peace and women's rights.