The Legacy of Jeannette Rankin: Congress's First Woman

The Life & Legacy of Jeannette Rankin

An Interactive Biography

Overview: A Trailblazing Figure

This section provides a brief introduction to Jeannette Rankin, the trailblazing figure who became the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress. Explore her historic achievement and the context of her time.

Jeannette Rankin, a Republican from Montana, secured her place in American history in 1916 by becoming the first woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress. Sworn in on April 2, 1917, her election was a landmark victory for the women's suffrage movement, occurring years before the 19th Amendment granted all American women the right to vote.

Her career was marked by two defining themes: her pioneering role as a woman in politics and her unwavering, controversial pacifism. This interactive report allows you to explore these key facets of her remarkable life.

The Pioneer: An Unprecedented Election

Dive into the details of Rankin's historic 1916 election. Here, you'll learn about her background as a suffragist, the significance of her victory, and her famous words upon entering Congress.

A dedicated suffragist and activist, Rankin had already worked tirelessly to secure women's voting rights in several states, including her home state of Montana. Upon her election, she immediately became a powerful advocate for women's rights and labor reform.

"I am deeply conscious of the responsibility resting upon me," Rankin stated, keenly aware of her unique position as the only woman with voting power in Congress. She confidently added, “I may be the first woman member of Congress, but I won't be the last.”

The Pacifist: Two Historic Votes

Perhaps the most defining aspect of her career, this section explores Rankin's steadfast pacifism. Interact with the data below to see the context of her two controversial and historic votes against U.S. entry into World War I and World War II.

Rankin's political career was ultimately defined by these two votes. Her commitment to peace remained unshaken for decades, even when it cost her personally and politically.

World War I Vote (1917)

In 1917, Rankin was one of only 50 House members to vote against the United States' entry into World War I. This anti-war stance drew significant criticism, with many allies fearing it would harm the women's suffrage movement.

World War II Vote (1941)

On December 8, 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Rankin cast the sole dissenting vote in all of Congress against declaring war on Japan. This vote effectively ended her political career.

"As a woman I can't go to war, and I refuse to send anyone else."

The Activist: A Lifelong Commitment

Rankin's commitment to peace did not end with her congressional career. This section covers her lifelong activism, culminating in a major protest against the Vietnam War at the age of 87.

Her dedication to peace continued for the rest of her life. In January 1968, at the age of 87, she led the "Jeannette Rankin Brigade," a protest of 5,000 women who marched on Washington, D.C.

The demonstration, the largest women's peace protest since the 1913 suffrage parade, called for an end to the Vietnam War and highlighted social crises at home, cementing her legacy as an icon of conscientious dissent.

Legacy: A Two-Fold Pioneer

Discover the lasting impact of Jeannette Rankin's life. This final section summarizes her "two-fold" legacy as both a political pioneer for women and an uncompromising icon of conscientious dissent.

Jeannette Rankin, who remains the only woman ever elected to Congress from Montana, is remembered as a two-fold pioneer: first, for breaking the gender barrier in American politics, and second, for her uncompromising, lifelong dedication to the principles of peace.

While her pacifism made her a pariah in the eyes of many during wartime, it also cemented her legacy as a figure of incredible principle and courage, inspiring peace and feminist movements for generations.

This interactive report was generated based on public historical information.