US Event: 1916

Jeannette Rankin was the first female to be elected to the United States Congress. She was a Republican member of the House of Representatives, even though US women did not gain the right to vote until 1920.  However, in her home state of Montana, women did have the right to vote at this time, which most likely helped her to be elected. This was a huge step for women everywhere, showing that they could take on roles previously filled by men, and do well at them. Rankin voted against the United States entering World War I just one month after she entered office. This led to much criticism, but Rankin still supported her country by selling liberty bonds and voting for the military draft. This event connects to Europe because during the war, many women there were also taking on many male jobs. During this time women were starting to become equal with men, at least in relation to careers.