In partnership with Fork Films
She Derailed the Fight for Equal Rights for Women
Phyllis Schlafly honed her political skills in the conservative movement of the 1950s and 1960s, then put them to work to stop the ERA. She traveled the country decrying the proposed amendment, which sought to ensure equal rights for women under law, as “anti-family” and un-American.
In the process, she built a coalition of evangelical Christians and political conservatives that influenced the modern conservative movement.
Schlafly helped send the ERA down in defeat in 1982, but the battle for equal rights continued. Since then, many of the goals the ERA aimed for have been achieved by other means. And the predictions Schlafly made about what would happen if the amendment succeeded – from women serving in the military to gay rights – have also come to pass.
Related:
Phyllis Schlafly’s Lasting Legacy in Defeating the E.R.A. by Clyde Haberman
More Like This
Gerrymandering Tilts Political Power. Here’s How Redistricting Affects Democracy.
Both parties play the redistricting game, redrawing electoral boundaries to lock down power. Are you a teacher? Check out our teaching resources for this video and upcoming webinar.
How the Military Response to 9/11 Led to Two Decades of War in Afghanistan
Officials who drove the decades-long war in Afghanistan look back on the strategic mistakes and misjudgments that led to a 20-year quagmire. For teachers: This video is part of a collection of resources including four short films, each accompanied by a lesson plan and student activity.
Why the Cold War Race for Nuclear Weapons Is Still a Threat
The Cold War may be over, but an arms race continues, even as safeguards once in place have fallen away.
The Cold War on TV: Joseph McCarthy vs. Edward R. Murrow
In the heat of the Cold War, Joe McCarthy’s anti-communist crusade became a media sensation.