Progressive Movement Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Jeannette Rankin holds the distinction of being the first female member of Congress, elected to the House of Representatives in 1916. Her landmark election was significant not only because she was the first woman to serve in Congress but also because it occurred long before women gained the right to vote in the United States with the 19th Amendment. Rankin was a staunch advocate for peace and women's rights, which further highlights her importance in the progressive movement of the early 20th century. Her tenure marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history, paving the way for future generations of women in politics and influencing key legislative actions.

The other options do not hold the same historical significance in terms of serving as a member of Congress. Marietta Stow was an activist but never elected to Congress, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont was known for her advocacy and philanthropy rather than political office, and Clara Zetkin was a prominent German socialist who played a major role in women's rights but did not serve in the U.S. Congress. This context solidifies Rankin's critical position in the narrative of women in American politics.