Phyllis Schlafly: APUSH Key Figure & Impact On American Politics

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the world of APUSH to uncover a truly influential, yet often controversial, figure: Phyllis Schlafly. If you're prepping for your APUSH exam or just curious about modern American history, understanding Schlafly's role is super important. So, buckle up as we explore who she was, what she stood for, and why she remains a significant topic in American political history.

Who Was Phyllis Schlafly?

Phyllis Schlafly was an American conservative activist, author, and lawyer who became a prominent figure in the late 20th-century United States. Born in 1924 and passing away in 2016, her life spanned numerous pivotal moments in American history. Schlafly is perhaps best known for her staunch conservative views and her successful campaign against the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the 1970s. But her influence stretched far beyond just that single issue.

Schlafly wasn't just a housewife who stumbled into politics. She was incredibly well-educated, graduating from Radcliffe College and later earning a law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. This academic background armed her with the knowledge and skills to articulate her views effectively and challenge her opponents in the political arena. Early in her career, she was involved in anti-communist movements, reflecting the Cold War anxieties of the time. This early activism laid the groundwork for her future political endeavors, shaping her conservative ideology and providing a platform for her to develop her public speaking and organizational skills.

Her entry into national politics really took off with her 1964 book, "A Choice Not an Echo," which supported Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign. This book wasn't just a campaign endorsement; it was a manifesto of her conservative principles and a critique of what she saw as the moderate Republican establishment. It propelled her into the spotlight and established her as a leading voice of the conservative movement. What made Schlafly so effective was her ability to connect with ordinary Americans, particularly women, who felt that their traditional values were being threatened by the changing social and political landscape of the 1960s and 70s. She tapped into a deep well of conservatism that resonated with many who felt left behind by the liberal trends of the era.

Schlafly's Fight Against the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) aimed to guarantee equal rights for women under the law, regardless of sex. It seemed like a straightforward concept, right? Well, Phyllis Schlafly didn't think so. She became the leading voice against the ERA, arguing that it would actually harm women and undermine the traditional family structure. Her organization, STOP ERA (later renamed Eagle Forum), galvanized conservative women across the country to oppose the amendment's ratification.

Schlafly's arguments against the ERA were multifaceted. She claimed that it would eliminate gender-specific privileges that women enjoyed, such as exemptions from military combat and alimony rights in divorce cases. She argued that the ERA would lead to unisex bathrooms, same-sex marriage, and a decline in traditional family values. These arguments, though controversial, resonated with many conservative Americans who feared the social changes of the time. What made Schlafly's campaign so effective was her ability to frame the ERA as a threat to traditional womanhood. She presented an image of women who valued their roles as wives and mothers and who did not want to be forced into a gender-neutral society. This message resonated particularly strongly with women in conservative religious communities and in rural areas.

The STOP ERA movement was a grassroots powerhouse. Schlafly and her supporters organized rallies, lobbied state legislators, and flooded the media with their message. They effectively used tactics like distributing homemade pies to legislators with anti-ERA messages attached, creating a memorable and folksy image that contrasted sharply with the feminist movement's image. Ultimately, their efforts were successful. The ERA failed to be ratified by the required number of states by the 1982 deadline, effectively killing the amendment. This victory cemented Schlafly's status as a hero among conservatives and a controversial figure among liberals and feminists.

Schlafly's Conservative Ideology and Impact

Phyllis Schlafly's conservative ideology was rooted in a belief in traditional family values, limited government, and a strong national defense. She was a staunch anti-communist and a supporter of American exceptionalism. Her views were shaped by her religious beliefs and her understanding of American history. Schlafly was a firm believer in the importance of the nuclear family, with the husband as the breadwinner and the wife as the homemaker. She saw this as the ideal social structure and believed that it was essential for the well-being of society.

Beyond the ERA, Schlafly was involved in numerous other conservative causes. She advocated for lower taxes, less government regulation, and a strong military. She opposed abortion, same-sex marriage, and gun control. She was a prolific writer and speaker, using her platform to promote her views and influence public opinion. Her book, "The Power of the Positive Woman," celebrated traditional femininity and argued that women should embrace their roles as wives and mothers. This book became a touchstone for conservative women who felt alienated by the feminist movement.

Schlafly's impact on American politics is undeniable. She mobilized a large and dedicated base of conservative activists, particularly women, who became a powerful force in the Republican Party. Her success in defeating the ERA demonstrated the power of grassroots activism and the ability of conservative movements to influence public policy. She also helped to shape the conservative movement's agenda, emphasizing issues such as family values, national security, and limited government. Even today, her legacy continues to influence conservative politics, particularly in debates over issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender roles.

Why is Phyllis Schlafly Important for APUSH?

So, why should you care about Phyllis Schlafly for your APUSH exam? Well, she represents a significant aspect of American history: the rise of the New Right and the conservative backlash against the liberal social and political changes of the 1960s and 70s. Understanding her role in the ERA debate provides insight into the cultural and political divisions of the era. Schlafly's success demonstrates the power of grassroots activism and the ability of conservative movements to shape public policy.

Moreover, studying Schlafly allows you to analyze the complexities of the feminist movement and the diverse perspectives on gender equality. She provides a counterpoint to the feminist narrative, forcing you to consider the different ways in which women viewed their roles in society. Her arguments against the ERA, though controversial, reflect the concerns of many conservative Americans who felt that their values were being threatened.

Furthermore, understanding Schlafly's conservative ideology helps you to grasp the broader context of American political history. Her beliefs in limited government, traditional family values, and a strong national defense are key tenets of the conservative movement, which has played a major role in shaping American politics since the 1980s. By studying Schlafly, you gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped modern America and the ongoing debates over issues such as gender, family, and government.

Key Takeaways for Your APUSH Exam

To ace those APUSH questions about Phyllis Schlafly, remember these key points:

• Who She Was: A conservative activist, author, and lawyer known for her opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
• STOP ERA: The organization she founded to campaign against the ERA, highlighting fears about changes to gender roles and family structure.
• Conservative Ideology: Belief in traditional family values, limited government, and a strong national defense.
• Impact: Mobilized conservative women, shaped the conservative movement's agenda, and demonstrated the power of grassroots activism.

By understanding these key aspects of Phyllis Schlafly's life and work, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any APUSH questions about her. Good luck, and happy studying!