Jeannette Rankin, American social worker and politician (d. 1973)
Jeannette Pickering Rankin (June 11, 1880 – May 18, 1973) was an American politician and women's rights advocate, and the first woman to hold federal office in the United States. She was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican from Montana in 1916, and again in 1940. As of 2022, Rankin is still the only woman ever elected to Congress from Montana.Each of Rankin's Congressional terms coincided with initiation of U.S. military intervention in one of the two World Wars. A lifelong pacifist, she was one of 50 House members who opposed the declaration of war on Germany in 1917. In 1941, she was the only member of Congress to vote against the declaration of war on Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
A suffragist during the Progressive Era, Rankin organized and lobbied for legislation enfranchising women in several states including Montana, New York, and North Dakota. While in Congress, she introduced legislation that eventually became the 19th Constitutional Amendment, granting unrestricted voting rights to women nationwide. She championed a multitude of diverse women's rights and civil rights causes throughout a career that spanned more than six decades.
1880Jun, 11
Jeannette Rankin
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Events on 1880
- 13Feb
Edison effect
Thomas Edison observes the Edison effect. - 13May
Thomas Edison
In Menlo Park, New Jersey, Thomas Edison performs the first test of his electric railway. - 7Jun
Battle of Arica
War of the Pacific: The Battle of Arica, the assault and capture of Morro de Arica (Arica Cape), ends the Campaña del Desierto (Desert Campaign). - 28Jun
Ned Kelly
Australian bushranger Ned Kelly is captured at Glenrowan. - 11Nov
Ned Kelly
Australian bushranger Ned Kelly is hanged at Melbourne Gaol.