Mrs. America season 1 episode 6 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

The episode chronicles the escalating battle over the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). President of the United States establishes a national commission for International Women's Year, appointing Jill Ruckelshaus as chairwoman, who pledges to advance the ERA. Meanwhile, Phyllis Schlafly intensifies her anti-ERA campaign, strategizing to expand her base by engaging politically inactive women. The episode highlights the deep ideological rift between ERA supporters, led by Jill, and opponents, led by Phyllis. Tensions peak during a pivotal vote at the Republican Party's platform committee, where the ERA narrowly retains support, reflecting the ongoing and intense conflict in the women's rights movement.

Full Episode S01E06 Recap

### Opening Scene: Presidential Address - **President of the United States** announces the creation of a national commission for International Women's Year, appointing **Jill Ruckelshaus** as chairwoman. - **Jill** vows to secure ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), with the President revealing North Dakota's recent ratification. ### Betty Ford's Involvement - **Betty Ford**, the First Lady, is shown actively supporting the ERA, facing opposition from anti-ERA protesters. - A scene depicts the divide between ERA supporters and opponents, highlighting the political and social tensions of the time. ### Anti-ERA Movement and Phyllis Schlafly's Role - **Phyllis Schlafly**, an anti-ERA activist, is shown strategizing to oppose the amendment, emphasizing the need to expand her support base. - Phyllis and her team discuss the growing influence of the ERA and the need to counter it by recruiting politically inactive women. ### Internal Struggles and Political Maneuvering - Various scenes depict the internal struggles within the feminist movement and the political maneuvering among ERA supporters. - **Jill Ruckelshaus** faces challenges in securing funding and support for the ERA, highlighting the political obstacles in her path. ### Phyllis Schlafly's Organizational Efforts - Phyllis intensifies her campaign against the ERA, forming alliances with various religious and conservative groups. - She introduces the Eagle Forum, aiming to unite different conservative factions against the ERA and for broader conservative causes. ### Confrontation and Debate - A confrontation between **Jill Ruckelshaus** and **Phyllis Schlafly** reveals their contrasting views on women's rights and their personal motivations. - The scene highlights the deep ideological divide between the two women and their respective movements. ### Political Intrigue and Personal Dynamics - The episode delves into the personal lives of the characters, revealing their struggles, ambitions, and the impact of their political involvement on their personal relationships. - It showcases the complex interplay between personal convictions and political actions in the context of the women's rights movement. ### Climactic Platform Committee Vote - A crucial vote at the Republican Party's platform committee becomes the episode's climax, where the support for the ERA is hotly contested. - Despite intense lobbying and maneuvering, the committee narrowly reaffirms its support for the ERA, marking a significant moment in the political battle over women's rights. ### Conclusion: Aftermath of the Vote - The aftermath of the vote is shown, with characters reflecting on their victories and losses, and planning their next moves in the ongoing political struggle. - The episode concludes with a sense of ongoing conflict and the determination of both sides to continue their fight for their respective causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is appointed as the chairwoman of the national commission for International Women's Year?

Jill Ruckelshaus is appointed as the chairwoman.

What commitment does Jill Ruckelshaus make regarding the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)?

She vows to secure ratification of the ERA.

What stance does Betty Ford take on the ERA?

Betty Ford actively supports the ERA.

Who is shown leading the opposition against the ERA?

Phyllis Schlafly leads the opposition against the ERA.

What strategy does Phyllis Schlafly discuss to expand her support base?

She discusses recruiting politically inactive women to oppose the ERA.

What are some of the challenges faced by Jill Ruckelshaus in supporting the ERA?

She faces challenges in securing funding and support for the ERA.

What is the Eagle Forum, and who introduces it?

The Eagle Forum is an organization introduced by Phyllis Schlafly to unite different conservative factions against the ERA.

What ideological divide is highlighted in the confrontation between Jill Ruckelshaus and Phyllis Schlafly?

The confrontation highlights their contrasting views on women's rights and personal motivations.

What happens at the Republican Party's platform committee regarding the ERA?

The committee narrowly reaffirms its support for the ERA.

What is the reaction to the platform committee's vote on the ERA?

Characters reflect on their victories and losses, and plan their next moves in the political struggle over women's rights.

Mrs. America season 1 episode 6

Jill