Rankin sworn in, first woman to serve in U.S. Congress.
On April 2, 1917, Jeannette Rankin was sworn in to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, making history as the first woman ever to serve in Congress. Her induction represented a critical breakthrough for women's involvement in legislative processes, a field dominated by men. Rankin took office during a tumultuous time; the U.S. was on the brink of entering World War I, and her presence symbolized a shifting dynamic toward greater inclusivity and diversity in American politics.