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Title
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Rankin, Jeannette Pickering (1880-1973)
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birthday
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1880-06-11
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Birthplace
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Missoula, MT
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Death Date
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1973-05-18
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Occupation
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Politician
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Women's rights activist
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Biographical Text
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Jeannette Pickering Rankin was a politician and activist for women's rights. She was born in Montana Territory nine years before it became a state. She attended the University of Montana and graduated in 1902 with a Bachelor of Science in biology. From 1908 to 1909 she attended the New York School of Philanthropy, followed by the University of Washington. Rankin was the first woman elected to Congress and served two separate terms in 1916 and 1940. During her first term, she introduced legislation that later led to the 19th Amendment. On multiple occasions Rankin was the sole member of Congress against a declaration of war. Over time this lead to a surge of ridicule, and the decision to retire her political career. In the 1960s and 70s, Rankin reappeared to advocate against the Vietnam War, and organized an anti-war march in Washington, DC.
Rankin passed on May 18, 1973, leaving her property to Watkinsville, Georgia in hopes of helping unemployed women workers.
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Contributor
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O'Neill, Iris
Jeannette Rankin, Statue