Throughout the history of America, several women have broken barriers and defied expectations. These women have played a significant role in shaping the nation’s culture and society. They not only impacted their respective fields but also paved the way for future generations. Their courage, as well as their resilience, have left a major mark on the nation of America. This makes them some of the most influential figures in American history. The following article brings you a detailed list of the topmost influential women in the history of America. It also discusses their impact on the nation.
Most Influential Women in The History of America
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart was one of the most influential women in the history of America famous for her journey as an aviator. She was 34 years old when she flew from Newfoundland, Canada, and landed in Northern Ireland. With a long solo flight lasting up to 15 hours, she became the first female aviator who flew solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She was also the first woman to cover a long-distance solo flight. Amelia was later appointed as the associate editor of The Cosmopolitan magazine. Her journey promoted commercial aviation for the younger generation. She inspired millions of young women who wish to build a career in her field.
Emily Greene Balch
Emily Greene Balch is also considered one of the most influential women in American history. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946. This was for her significant contribution during the First as well as the Second World War. She was also appointed as the first international secretary-treasurer of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Emily also played a major role in disarmament as well as drug control in America. She was a famous economist and sociologist who also advocated peace and played an important role in the newly formed League of Nations.
Helen Keller
Helen Keller is famous as one of the most influential American authors who overcame her physical disability and inspired generations to come. She lost her listening ability as well as her eyesight when she was 19 years old. However, that did not stop her from writing numerous books and essays. She became the first deaf and blind woman to earn a bachelor’s degree in Arts. Helen also traveled to around 35 countries advocating the rights of blind people. She was also a highly influential political activist who left her mark on the world through her writings.
Grace Hopper
Grace Hopper, famously known as one of the most influential Computer scientists in America, is credited for the development of programming languages. She earned a doctorate degree from Yale University and was working as a professor of mathematics. She also served in the Navy till she was 71. Grace became the first woman programmer who invented a linker. Today’s generation cannot imagine a world without computers. Her contribution to reshaping the technological landscape of the world did not only inspire US citizens but also people from all across the globe.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias
Babe Didrikson Zaharias is famous as one of the most successful sportspersons in American history. Her exceptional talent was not limited to only one sport. Instead, she had a multidisciplinary sports persona. She played track and field, basketball, baseball, as well as golf. Zaharias was known as one of the greatest athletes of her time. She won two gold medals in track and field followed by a number of Golf titles. She became the only athlete who could secure a medal in running, throwing, as well as jumping in track and field. Her journey of sportsmanship inspired millions of young girls to work hard for their dreams and not give up.
Sally Ride
Sally Ride is famous as the first American woman who went into space in 1983 making her the youngest astronaut. NASA issued an article in The Stanford Daily for the recruitment of new astronauts. Sally had to go through a very tough recruitment process and finally became the first woman to go into space in the Space Shuttle Challenger. She made history and inspired millions of little girls who dreamt of touching the stars.
Clara Barton
Clara Barton is also famous with the title “Florence Nightingale of America.” She was a self-taught nurse who became the founder of the American Red Cross. During the Civil War, Clara made a major contribution to nursing the injured soldiers and providing supplies as well as emotional support to them. Even when women had no right to vote, Clara proved her humanitarian spirit by helping the soldiers in need of treatment.
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson is famous for becoming the first African American female NASA scientist. She was also famous for her excellence in solving mathematical calculations. Katherine was titled “Human Computer.” She also played a major role in the Apollo missions predicting the trajectories of the modules. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama. Her contributions to the world of space exploration technology are undeniable.
Marguerite Higgins
Marguerite Higgins is known for her fearless reporting of the war zones during multiple wars. Her bravery was exceptional and inspirational. She was a correspondent for the New York Herald Tribune, covering World War II as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars. Marguerite was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her fearless journalism. She is still cited as one of the best examples of women empowerment. Her journey continues to inspire young female journalists to date. Marguerite Higgins’ biography is titled “Witness to War,” which covers her life journey as a fearless warzone reporter.
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks has multiple titles attached to her name, like “The First Lady of Civil Rights” and “The Mother of the Freedom Movement.” Rosa earned her respect when she refused to give up her seat in the colored section for a white passenger. Her bold move ultimately led to bus segregation being announced unconstitutional in 1956. Rosa’s life journey, though difficult, inspired many to fight for their rights. She published her autobiography titled “Rosa Parks: My Story.” She continued fighting against social injustice till her end.
