HISTORY’s Moment in Media: 90 Million Viewers Watch Battle of the Sexes

In 1973 America, women were warring among themselves.  Feminists led by the National Organization for Women rallied around the Equal Rights Amendment, seeking to end discrimination against women.  But in 1972, Phyllis Schlafly founded the STOP ERA campaign, saying the feminist movement was an attack on traditional housewives.  The clash started a vitriolic national debate on the proper role of women in society.