Jeannette Rankin

Profession: 1st Woman Elected to Congress

Nationality:

Biography: Jeannette Rankin was an American politician and women's rights advocate, renowned as the first woman elected to the United States Congress. A lifelong pacifist, her congressional tenure is also notable for her consistent opposition to war, including being the only member of Congress to vote against U.S. participation in both World War I and World War II.

Rankin was a progressive social reformer who played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement. Before her political career, she worked in social work and was involved in various reform activities, advocating for women's rights and children's education.

Rankin's political career began with her election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1916, four years before the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote nationwide. As a member of Congress, she was an advocate for women's rights and social welfare issues. Her first term was marked by her vote against the United States' entry into World War I, a position that was both celebrated and criticized.

After losing her seat, Rankin continued her activism. She was then re-elected to the House in 1940, just as World War II was escalating. In 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, she cast the sole vote against declaring war on Japan, a decision that was met with intense backlash and effectively ended her political career. Rankin's stance, while consistent with her earlier vote in World War I, isolated her from her peers and the American public during a time of national crisis.

Throughout her life, Rankin was involved in various peace and civil rights movements. In the 1960s, she was an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War and led the Jeannette Rankin Brigade, a peace march in Washington, D.C.

Born: June 11, 1880
Birthplace: Missoula, Montana, USA
Star Sign: Gemini

Died: May 18, 1973 (aged 92)
Cause of Death: Natural causes