Rosika Schwimmer was a labor organizer, pacifist, feminist, and writer. She was born to a Jewish Family in Budapest where she studied music and languages. She began to work as a bookkeeper when her family’s financial situation deteriorated in 1896. Schwimmer was increasingly engaged in feminist causes. In 1897, she organized the Association of Hungarian Women Clerks and in 1904, she founded the Hungarian Feminist Association. Schwimmer also helped to found the Hungarian National Council of Women. As World War I overtook Europe, her focus turned toward peace. She toured the United States, urging that the U.S. push for mediation of the European conflict. Consequently, she assisted in the formation of the Women’s Peace Party in 1915. When Hungary gained independence in 1918, Schwimmer was appointed to be ambassador to Switzerland and became the world’s first female ambassador. When the communists took control of the government in 1919, she was forced to flee and settle in the United States in 1921. Her application for U.S. citizenship was denied because of her pacifist believes and refusal to affirm that she would take up arms in defense of the country. Her appeal of that decision went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled against her. Schwimmer remained in the United States the rest of her life and died legally stateless.