Meet Clare Booth Luce

Clare Boothe Luce (1903-1987) was an American writer, journalist, and politician. She was one of the most prominent and influential conservative women in American politics during the 20th century.

Luce began her career as a writer and journalist, working for various magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Harper’s Bazaar. She also wrote several plays, including the hit Broadway play “The Women” (1936).

In 1942, Luce was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Connecticut, becoming the first woman to represent the state in Congress. She served in the House for two terms, from 1943 to 1947. During her time in Congress, Luce was a strong advocate for conservative causes, including anti-communism and a strong national defense.

After leaving Congress, Luce continued to be active in politics, serving as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1952 and 1956, and as a member of the Republican National Committee from 1956 to 1959. She was also the U.S. Ambassador to Italy from 1953 to 1956, where she was known for her strong anti-communist stance and her efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Italian relationship.

In addition to her political career, Luce was also known for her philanthropic work. She was a major benefactor of the Clare Boothe Luce Program, which provides grants and scholarships to women in science, engineering, and mathematics.

Luce was a controversial figure during her lifetime, known for her strong conservative views and her outspoken personality. However, her contributions to American politics and her role as a trailblazer for women in politics are widely acknowledged.

Clare Boothe Luce was a trailblazer for women in American politics, and her accomplishments during her lifetime were numerous. Some of her most notable accomplishments include:

• Becoming the first woman to represent Connecticut in the U.S. House of Representatives. Luce was elected to the House in 1942 and served two terms from 1943 to 1947.
• Becoming the first woman appointed to a major ambassadorial post. Luce served as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy from 1953 to 1956, where she was known for her strong anti-communist stance and her efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Italian relationship.
• Advocating for conservative causes. Luce was a vocal advocate for anti-communism and a strong national defense, and she was a strong supporter of the Reagan administration’s foreign policy.
• Philanthropy. Luce was a major benefactor of the Clare Boothe Luce Program, which provides grants and scholarships to women in science, engineering, and mathematics.
• Writing. Luce was a successful playwright, journalist, and essayist. She wrote several plays, including the hit Broadway play “The Women” (1936), and her essays and articles were published in various magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Harper’s Bazaar.
• Being a trailblazer for Women: Luce was a prominent and influential conservative woman in American politics during the 20th century, she broke barriers for women in politics and diplomacy, and her contributions to American politics and her role as a trailblazer for women in politics are widely acknowledged.
• Advocating for Republican Women. Luce was a member of the National Federation of Republican Women, which helped to unify and support local clubs across the country, and since then it has become one of the largest and most influential women’s political organizations in the United States.
• Serving as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1952 and 1956, and as a member of the Republican National Committee from 1956 to 1959.

Clare Boothe Luce passed away in 1987, but her legacy continues to be celebrated.