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65th Congress (1917–1919)

Congressional Profile

Total Membership:

435 Representatives
2 Delegates
3 Resident Commissioners

Party Divisions:^*

214 Democrats
215 Republicans
3 Progressives
1 Independent Republican
1 Prohibitionist
1 Socialist

^*Party division totals are based on election day results.

/tiles/non-collection/s/speaker_clark_2005_16_36_1.xml Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives
About this object James Beauchamp Clark of Missouri served four terms as Speaker of the House and three terms as Minority Leader.

Congress Overview

Democrats retained Congress and the White House after the 1916 elections. The 65th Congress (1917–1919) began historically: Montana’s Jeannette Rankin became the first woman to serve in Congress; President Woodrow Wilson delivered his war message; and Congress declared war on Germany. Congress then focused on World War I: generating revenues; instituting conscription; mobilizing industry; and protecting the country against espionage and sabotage. President Wilson’s “Fourteen Points” provided national goals for the war. Congress also sent to the states a constitutional amendment banning the production and sale of alcohol.

Member Information

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress, (1774–2005), Official Annotated Membership Roster by State with Vacancy and Special Election Information for the 65th Congress. [PDF]
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