Jeannette Rankin: Women's Vote

Words: 1007
Pages: 5
Open Document
On April 2, 1917, Jeannette Rankin was sworn into the 65th Congress as a Montana Representative, making her the first woman to hold a seat in Congressional history. Before campaigning for her spot in Congress, Rankin, a prominent advocate for women’s rights in Montana, became the first woman to address Congress and brought attention to women’s suffrage (Morin). Rankin was a lobbyist for the National American Woman Suffrage Association, and her efforts helped Montana women earn the right vote in 1914. After being elected to the House of Representatives, Rankin managed an exceedingly “courageous career”--one similar to John F. Kennedy’s description in his book Profiles in Courage. Her career focused less on pleasing other members of Congress …show more content…
She became a field secretary for the National Consumers' League, campaigning for legislation on pediatric health care and the regulation of hours and wages of female workers. She also served as an officer of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and as a lobbyist for the Women's Peace Union. In 1929, she was part of the National Council for the Prevention of War as chief lobbyist and field organizer. In 1941, Rankin left her spot in the National Council and was once again elected into the House of Representatives. Ironically, she secured her seat just months before she would participate in another vote regarding the declaration of another World …show more content…
She set the precedent for women’s participation in politics and paved the way for female politicians that followed. Exactly one hundred years after Rankin became the First Lady of Congress, the First Female Senator of New York, Hillary Rodham Clinton, had her name on the ballot for President of the United States. In spite of her anti-war vote, Rankin preferred to be known as, "the only woman who ever voted to give women the right to vote"(Lafrance). Stories, like Rankin’s, of past courage “can teach, can offer hope, and can provide inspiration”. And when one does what they must “in spite of personal consequences and obstacles”, they are able to substantially influence millions and provide the leadership needed for America to move towards the common good (Kennedy 246)
Show More

Related Documents: Jeannette Rankin: Women's Vote

History Of The Women's Suffrage Movement

In 1848 the Women’s Suffrage Movement began. From 1880-1920 Women’s Suffrage was an important topic. Women’s Suffrage is the right for women to vote. The Suffrage Movement had lasted through the Civil War. Without the Women’s Suffrage Movement, women would not have the right to vote. Women were not content with the fact that they did not have the right to vote. Women wanted to be equal to men. Women wanted to have a say in who is the president of our country. Women wanted to have a say in who is…

Words 846 - Pages 4

How Did Marcus Garvey Help African Americans

Marcus Garvey was an African American nationalist. His claim to fame was that he was the leader in uniting over 6 million African Americans. He proved and enhanced the African Americans aspirations by improving their economic independence. His main goal was to gain African American freedom, and equality, and send them back to Africa. Marcus Garvey’s contribution to society was that he created his own newspaper company, African American working factory, and trading company. These businesses assisted…

Words 608 - Pages 3

How Ignoring Societal Standards and Feminism Opens Doors Essay example

been going on for centuries and it is still around at this point in time. In Henrik Ibsen’s play A Doll House, the very last scene of the play where the door slams shut, signifying Nora’s departure from home, tends to be iconic in the movement of women’s rights. Her actions within the play were ludicrous if looked upon with the attitude that one commonly held within the 19th century and conflicted with the image that many found acceptable of women during that time frame. But when one acts out of the…

Words 1095 - Pages 5

Similarities Between The Giver And Fahrenheit 451

A utopia is a society that possesses near perfect qualities, and has surpasses war, hatred, greed, and many more adverse factors that can lead to destruction. This ideal society has been explored extensively in both novels such as in The Giver and Fahrenheit 451 and by nations such as China and North Korea. In the end, however, this flawless society is always proven to be unattainable. Thomas Paine describes this opinion on how perfect America is as a country in his book Rights of Man. While many…

Words 1316 - Pages 6

English Letter In Life

I couldn’t wait to pick his brain about the evolution of women's rights in this great nation that we founded. When we arrived at Matthew’s house, I sat down at his dining table, which was draped in an odd material­ similar to that of a snake’s shedding. He fetched me a spot of tea, and sat down. Matthew spoke about how he had learned of me in his AP US History course, although haven’t a clue what AP is. His mentor, magnificent, brilliant, and handsome man, named Mr. K Yourman led the teachings on women’s rights in America. We began with me…

Words 1161 - Pages 5

Women's Suffrage As Told By Modernist Poets Essay

American society and began ushering in women's suffrage. Starting as early as the late 19th century, women were beginning to deviate from their typical roles in the home and began working their way into 'hard labor' workforces, the armed forces and even the government, attaining the same status as men and holding the same responsibilities in the United States. Women's suffrage began in 1848 with the earliest record of women protesting gender inequality at a women's rights convention held in Seneca Falls…

Words 2559 - Pages 11