William Bankhead was an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1936 until his death in 1965. He was a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and held the position of Speaker of the House from 1936 to 1940. Bankhead was known for his leadership during significant legislative periods, including the New Deal era. Born on January 15, 1902, in Huntsville, Alabama, Bankhead was the son of a former congressman. He was educated at the University of Alabama and later became involved in politics. Throughout his career, he focused on issues such as civil rights and economic development, leaving a lasting impact on American politics.