Starting in 1916, Jeannette Rankin fought for what she believed was right. She believed that the US shouldn’t have gone into World War 1 or that they shouldn’t have declared war on Japan. Se also campaigned for world peace. She was the first woman voted to congress and was one of the very few in her time. She helped destroy negative attitudes about women in congress. This tells the story of Jeannette Rankin, congresswoman.


I was born on June 11, 1880. I lived near Missoula, Montana. I traveled around after college. I first found my calling in the Woman’s Suffrage Movement. I was in the state of Washington when I realized I liked to help and make things right. I became interested in trying to get women and men to have equal rights. I tried to amend the constitution so women could have the right to vote and it worked. I got women the right to vote in Washington and in Montana. At this time I was a Social Activist. I then decided to run for the US house of representatives and I made it.

I was first elected to the US House of Representatives in 1916. I served 2 separate terms, the 65th(1917-1919) and 77th(1941-1943). I knew that I wanted to leave a legacy as a congress member. I once said, “I may be the first woman member of congress, but I will not be the last.” I know this will be true and that many other woman will become part of congress.

I wasn't the most supportive congresswoman because I was a pacifist. I stood up for what I believed in. One thing I didn't support was the US going to war. I didn't agree with them going in to World War I(WWI) or World War II(WWII). Many people did not like that I voted against the US going in to war. Forty-nine of my colleagues also voted against going into WWI too. I was not reelected to congress when I voted against it.

I also campaigned for world peace during my lifetime. One way I did this was by voting against warr. I spent my life in pursuit of world peace and political reform.

I was a woman that accomplished many things in my lifetime. Some of my accomplishments were being the first woman in congress and getting women the right to vote. I am proud of everything I have accomplished. I hope that women follow my path and fight for what they believe is right.