Jeannette Rankin (1880 - 1973)
by Robert Shetterly
Painting
Jeannette Rankin was the first woman to serve in the U.S. Congress. She helped pass the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote, and was a committed pacifist.
"(War) cannot be reformed or controlled; cannot be disciplined into decency or codified into common sense, for war is the slaughter of human beings..."
- Jeannette Rankin -
The United States' first congresswomen representing Montana, Jeannette Rankin was elected as a Republican in 1916. She drew national attention by voting against entering World War I.
Over her life, Rankin was a staunch advocate for peace. She was one of the leaders of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and traveled to India to learn directly from Gandhi. In her late 80s, Rankin lead marches on the nation's capital in protest of the Vietnam War.
Page created on 2/28/2012 11:00:58 AM
Last edited 4/11/2017 11:11:04 AM
