Jeannette Rankin was the first woman to serve as a U.S. congresswoman. Elected in 1916, she represented Montana as a Republican. Rankin was not only notable for breaking gender barriers in U.S. politics but also for her strong advocacy for social issues, including women's suffrage and peace. She was a prominent figure in the movement to secure voting rights for women, and her election came just four years before the 19th Amendment was ratified. Rankin's political career included her notable votes against U.S. involvement in both World War I and World War II, emphasizing her commitment to pacifism and women's rights.