Rise of Conservatism, Phyllis Schlafly

Question

Within the context of Phyllis Schlafly's time (womens rights, sexual revolution,anti-war movement, distrust of government, etc.) why do you think her words were so powerful? if you agree with her points, how can we understand them within 1972 and the rise of conservatism within the U.S? If you disagree, how would you have argued against Schlafly in 1972?

Answer 1

To answer this question, students should consider which Americans would have felt threatened or unsettled by the changes. What values, experiences, or interests might have motivated people to reject the cultural changes of the 1960s?