Wisconsin History Day By Day


Related Web Sites:
Wisconsin Women Lawyers-Past and Present

Belle Case La Follette (Wikipedia)

Belle Case LaFollette


Read More About It

"Belle: The Biography of Belle Case La Follette" by Lucy Freeman

"The La Follettes of Wisconsin: Love and Politic" by Bernard Weisberger


Vocabulary:

advised
suffrage


Interesting Fact:

Belle received her law degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1875 but her husband, Robert M. La Follette, never completed his law degree.


Study Questions:

  • What was Belle's background before attending the University of Wisconsin?
  • What was Belle's view toward World War I?
  • How much of an influence was she on her husband's career?


    U.S. historical events that occurred on April 21:

    1649: The Toleration Act, allowing for freedom of worship, was passed by the Maryland assembly.



  • April 21

    April 21, 1859: Belle La Follette, wife of politician Robert La Follette, was born in Juneau County. She was a classmate of her future husband at the University of Wisconsin, graduated in 1879 and became the first woman to receive a law degree, 1885, from the University Law School. She advised her husband on cases, legislation and politics. She was a lifelong worker for women's suffrage and other equal rights for women.


    Wisconsin History Day By Day homepage
    January - December calendar page