1940s-1960s: Suffragist Alice Paul and NWP work tirelessly to promote the ERA, but face resistance from opponents who argue it would diminish women's protections and traditional gender roles.
1972: Congress approves sending the ERA to states for ratification under Article V of the Constitution. It needs approval from 38 states in 7 years to become part of the Constitution.
1975-1982: ERA gains significant progress with widespread public support and ratification by 35 states. However, conservative backlash emerges, primarily led by an anti-ERA campaign organized by Phyllis Schlafly, who argues it would erode family values.
1982: Despite meeting a 7-year extension deadline due to court challenges, ERA falls three states short of ratification due to organized opposition campaigns in several states. The deadline expires, making the amendment unsuccessful.
Present: Efforts to revive the ERA persist through different strategies with no successful progress yet. Activists continue urging state legislatures to ratify or remove deadlines from past ratifications, while some advocate for a new version of the amendment and exploring judicial options or a congressional resolution.