Jeannette Rankin

Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin (1880-1973) was a leader in the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, a devoted activist in anti-war efforts, and an inspiration for those women who followed her lead.

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Jeannette Rankin was a leader in the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, a devoted activist in anti-war efforts, and an inspiration for those women who followed her lead.

Jeannette was the first women elected to the U.S. Congress. As a lifelong resident of Montana, she was active in the woman suffrage movement and campaigned for election to Congress after the state gave women the right to vote. Serving two terms, she became the first woman to have a voice in national political debate, and the only member of Congress to oppose the entry of the United States into both World Wars. In office, Jeannette sponsored legislation to provide federal voting rights and health services for women. At age 86, she proudly marched to oppose the Vietnam War.

Courtesy of the Ms. Foundation.

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