Bella Abzug
A fiery congresswoman in a signature wide-brimmed hat who fought relentlessly for women's rights, peace, and social justice.
1920–1998 (age 78)·American politician·Birthday: July 24·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Bella Abzug's hat was her helmet, and the political arena was her battlefield. Elected to Congress from New York in 1970 with the slogan "This woman's place is in the House—the House of Representatives," she brought a brash, unapologetic style to a staid institution. A labor lawyer who had defended Willie McGee and others accused by the House Un-American Activities Committee, she entered politics with a formidable agenda. In just three terms, she co-authored Title IX, championed the Equal Rights Amendment, helped found the National Women's Political Caucus, and was a primary author of the Freedom of Information Act. She loudly opposed the Vietnam War and fought for LGBTQ+ rights and environmental protection, pioneering the concept of ecofeminism. After losing a Senate race, she remained a powerful force outside government, organizing the 1977 National Women's Conference and leading global women's initiatives at the UN. 'Battling Bella' never softened her voice or her style, proving that a woman could be powerfully, disruptively herself in politics.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Bella was born in 1920, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Bella Was Born
The biggest hits of 1920
#1 Movie
Way Down East
Bella's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1920Born
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1925Started school
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1933Became a teenager
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1936Could drive
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1938Could vote
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1941Turned 21
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1950Turned 30
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1960Turned 40
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1970Turned 50
First Earth Day; The Beatles break up
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $17,000Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Bridge over Troubled Water" — Simon & GarfunkelBest Picture: Patton
1980Turned 60
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1990Turned 70
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Died at 78
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
Key Achievements
- Co-authored Title IX, the landmark 1972 law prohibiting sex discrimination in federally funded education programs.
- Was a founding member of the National Women's Political Caucus alongside Gloria Steinem, Shirley Chisholm, and Betty Friedan.
- Introduced the first federal gay rights bill in Congress in 1974.
- Was a primary author of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Sunshine Act, promoting government transparency.
- Organized and presided over the historic 1977 National Women's Conference in Houston.
Did You Know?
She began wearing wide-brimmed hats as a young lawyer because she was told it was the only way male clients would take her seriously.
She was the first Jewish woman elected to the U.S. Congress.
She served as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations Disarmament Conference in 1978.
She was a close friend and ally of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm.
The Bella Abzug Leadership Institute was founded in her honor to train young women for leadership roles.
“This woman's place is in the House—the House of Representatives.”
