... the first time. Their leaders were largely clergymen, lawyers, and teachers who had been educated in the North and abroad. Among the ablest were Robert B. Elliott of South Carolina and John R. Lynch of Mississippi. Both were speakers of their state House of Representatives and were members of the United States Congress. Between 1869 and 1901, 20 black representatives and 2 black senators ... Rankin's 27 years in Congress, 32 other women were successful in their bids for the House and Senate. During FDR's 13 years as President, 23 women joined Congress. Margaret Chase Smith was the first...

• Word Count: 4202
• Approx Pages: 17
• Grade Level: Undergraduate