Primary Sources

"Abzug, Bella (1920-1998) American Jewish Congresswoman." AJC Archives. AJC Global Jewish Advocacy. Web.

This web page is from the AJC Archives. They published multiple audio clips of Bella Abzug and they were divided by topic of the interview.

Abzug, Bella. "DO YOU KNOW ME?" Iowa State University Women's Political Communication Archives. The Carrie Chapman Catt Center. Web.

This is a speech by Bella Abzug that was for the Center for American Women and Politics conference. This was found in the Archives of Women's Political Communication by Iowa State University. Abzug, Bella. "PLENARY SPEECH, FOURTH WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN - SEPT. 12, 1995." Iowa State University Archives of Women's Political Communication. The Carrie Chapman Catt Center. Web.

This speech was written by Bella Abzug for the Fourth World Conference on Women In Beijing, China. This was published by the Archives of Women's Communication in Iowa State University. Athletes Sylvia Ortiz, Peggy Kokernot, and Michelle Cearcy Carrying a Torch That Had Been Relayed from Seneca Falls, New York, to Houston to Open the First National Women's Conference; They Are Accompanied by Billie Jean King, Susan B. Anthony, Bella Abzug, and Betty Friedan. Digital image. Library of Congress. Library of Congress. Web.

This digital image was found in the Library of Congress. Bella Abzug is among the many marching ladies in the front. The photo was took during the First National Women's Conference

Bella Abzug, Betty Freidan and Billy Jean King Accompany Torch Relay Runners into Houston. Digital image. The National Archives Catalog. The National Archives. Web.

This digital image was found on the National Archives website. This image displays Bella Abzug marching during the first National Women's Conference.

"Bella Abzug." Interviews. PBS. Web.

This is an interview that PBS had with Bella Abzug. This webpage includes what Abzug felt about certain topics, such as her family, New York City, and politics.

"Excerpt from Bella Abzug Interview with Global Education Motivators, April 24, 1997."Jewish Women's Archive. Global Education Motivators. Web.

This is an excerpt from an interview with Bella Abzug on April 24, 1997. In this excerpt, Abzug answers a question about her identity crisis when people would assume she was the secretary when she was actually the lawyer and talks about the significance of her hats.

"Happy 46th Birthday, Freedom of Information!" The National Security Archive. The National Security Archive, 4 July 2012. Web.

This online source was found on The National Security Archive website. This source celebrates the 46th birthday of the Freedom of Information Act that Bella Abzug helped to create.

Henry, Diana Mara. "An Evening with Bella." An Evening with Bella. Diana Mara Henry. Web.

Diana Mara Henry was hired by Bella Abzug to be a personal photographer and all the photographs are what Henry took during this period.

Henry, Diana Mara. Bella on the Arts. Digital image. Jewish Women's Archive. Diana MaraHenry. Web.

This digital image is a political poster of Bella Abzug. It depicts her with her famous hat speaking in front of a microphone with a quote on the bottom.

Henry, Diana Mara. Campaign Materials from Bella's Race for Mayor. Digital image. JewishWomen's Archive. Diana Mara Henry. Web.

This digital image is of a newspaper article written in spanish about Bella Abzugs race to be become the mayor of New York City. In the image, Abzug is seen with her daughter, Liz Abzug who is head of Liz Abzug Consulting Services and the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute and Harold Holzer, a Shakespeare scholar and the Vice President of the Metropolitan Museum in the middle of a campaign on the sidewalk.

Henry, Diana Mara. Newspaper Clip of Bella Abzug. Digital image. Jewish Women's Archive.Diana Mara Henry. Web.

This newspaper clipping of Bella Abzug is written in Spanish on one half and English on the other. On the right, it writes how Bella Abzug is the answer to New York's problems and she knows what to do and how to do it.

Henry, Diana Mara. Picture of Bella Abzug with a Quote. Digital image. Jewish Women'sArchive. Diana Mara Henry. Web.This digital image depicts Bella Abzug along with a quote that she said,

Henry,Diana Mara. Women for Bella. Digital image. Diana Mara Henry. Web.

This digital image displays a letter during the time which Bella Abzug was running to be the Mayor of New York. The letter describes why the people should vote for Abzug and why shes the ideal candidate. This letter was written by Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Gloria Steinem, Georgia McMurray, and Lt. Governor Mary Anne Krupsak.

Leffler, Warren K. Bella Abzug at Press Conference for National Youth Conference for '72. Digital image. Library of Congress. Library of Congress. Web.

This digital image was found on the Library of Congress website. Abzug was attending a press conference for the National Youth Conference. This photo also demonstrates her use of the wide-brimmed hat.

New York Mayor, Edward Koch, Congresswoman Bella Abzug Meet with Jimmy Carter. Digital image. The National Archives Catalog. The National Archive. Web.

This digital image was found on the National Archives website. It was created on February 3rd, 1978.

"Rep. Bella Abzug." GovTrack.us. Civic Impulse, LLC. Web.

This website provides detailed statistics along with graphs about Bella Abzug. This includes a list of her elected positions and the years she served in Congress. A scatter plot displays the bills that she supported, as well as her position in the House of Representatives. Links further down the page includes the bills that Abzug sponsored.

Will, George F. "Bella Abzug Has to Have Doubts by Now." Lawrence Journal-World (21 Feb.1978). Lawrence Journal-World - Google News Archive Search. Lawrence Journal-World. Web.

This is an online copy of the February 21, 1978 issue of the Lawrence Journal-World newspaper. It was written by George F. Will. In this article, Will speaks about the doubts that Abzug might have running around in her head after losing multiple elections.

Secondary Sources

"About Bella Abzug." Bella Abzug Leadership Institute. Bella Abzug Leadership Institute,Web. 19 Mar. 2015.

This online article is a biography published by the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, which was founded by her daughter, Liz Abzug. This article is a brief overview of who Bella Abzug was, in addition to what roles and jobs she had taken to in her lifetime. This biography focused primarily on how Bella Abzug had influenced politics and had paved the road for future women of office by becoming the first woman to run for the mayoral office of New York City and helping other women to aspire to run for higher levels of office. It spoke highly of her for being one of the most influential female politicians and leaders of the late 20th century. This article is credible because it was published by an Institute that was found by Bella Abzugs daughter and it focuses primarily on the life and work of Bella Abzug.

Abzug, Bella. "Gifts of Speech." Plenary Speech, Fourth World Conference On Women. China,Beijing. Gifts of Speech - Bella Abzug. Web.

This online article is a speech what was both written and spoken by Bella Abzug at the United Nations Forum on Women in Beijing, China on September 12th, 1995. Abzug was the co-chair of the Womens Environment and Development Organization and former United States Congresswoman. In this speech, Bella Abzug spoke about what she is trying to achieve and focuses primarily on the rights and problems of women. In addition to preventing violence against both women and girls, she wants to give more opportunities to women who would not have them otherwise because they are so poor, hungry, or illiterate. She wants to challenge the status quo of women of being at home and wants them to be more involved in politics by supporting both their economical and social needs.

"ABZUG, Bella Savitzky." History, Art &Archives. United States House of Representatives. Web.

This webpage of Bella Abzug, a former member of the Unites States House of Representatives, consists of specific statistics about her including which political party she belongs to, her terms in Congress, and her type of office. It also consists of her biography and where you can find some of her works, such as her papers at Columbia University and New York University. In her biography, Abzug spoke of how she was more of an activist than a politician, as evident by her works such as co-founding the Women's Strike for Peace, being one of the people leading the "Dump Johnson" movement, addressing international women's conferences in Beijing, Nairobi, and Copenhagen, and establishing the Women's USA Fund and the Women's Environment and Development Organization. In addition to all of these, she made many advancements politically. She used her political platform to preach antiwar and pro-feminism, supporting controversial causes such as American troops being in Vietnam by introducing a legislation to withdraw the troops, being one of the first politicians to call for the impeachment of President Richard Nixon, and introducing a legislation that would increase the rights of lesbians and gays through an amendment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Baer, Susan. "Founding, Enduring Feminist Bella Abzug Is Dead at 77 'Battling Bella' Served Three Terms in House." Baltimoresun. The Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 1998. Web.

This online newspaper article written by Susan Baer for The Baltimore Sun is an obituary of Bella Abzug. Abzug was a Congresswoman who fought for civil rights and liberties throughout her life. She protested against the Vietnam War, fought for the Equal Rights Amendment and funded child care while still in Congress. She was described as being a pioneer of feminism, for being the first woman to lead a path in politics so her fellow women can follow shortly. During her time in Congress, achieved many great accomplishments including being one of the women to create the National Women's Political Caucus and bringing forth the first bill to end discrimination against gays and for gay rights. Her views, however different, were seen as being too radical at times but many people still admired her nonetheless. This proved to be true after a series of lost elections starting with her loss to David Patrick Moynihan for the U.S. Senate election. Even without an official government position, she still became of the the members of President Jimmy Carter's committee on women. However, it was those radical ideas that cost her this job a year later. In the last decade of her life, Bella Abzug fought to promote women's health care, which included the Women's Environment and Development Organization.

"Bella Abzug (1920-1998)." Nwhm. National Women's History Museum. Web.

This article is not only a biography about Bella Abzug published by the National Womens History Museum, but also highlights all the advancements and achievements that she made while being involved in politics. In the 1960s, Abzug was one of the founders of the Womens Strike for Peace and was an active member of the anti-Vietnam War movement. In the 1970s, Abzug won the general election in Congress. While she was there, she called for an immediate withdrawal of American Troops in Southeastern countries like Vietnam. During the mid 70s, Abzug left Congress to run for Senate. She eventually lost, and this loss was the beginning of her other losses politically, such as losing her elections to run for mayor of New York City and Congress. President Jimmy Carter eventually invited her to co-chair the National Advisory Committee on Women. However, a year later he asked her to resign for they did not have the same political views. In the 1980s, Abzug began serving again on the Democratic National Committee and began participating as the head of many pro choice marches. In the 1990s, Abzug co-chaired the Womens Environment & Development Organization and spoke at the World Womens Congress for a healthy planet."Bella Abzug." Biography of Bella Abzug. Miriam's Cup. Web.In this biography of Bella Abzug, there is a section on her many political advancements throughout her career. Abzug's career consisted of her practicing labor and civil rights law. She was inspired to practice this type of law from Judaism, her religion which believes that one can't have justice if others don't have justice themselves. In the 1960's, Abzug helped to create the Women Strike for Peace which was against the Vietnam War and fought for a nuclear test ban treaty. She also helped to write what would eventually become the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Bella Abzug made most of her advancements during the 1970's. She brought the public's attention to many government activities through the Freedom of Information Act, organizing the National Women's Political Caucus, creating bills designed for women, children, abortion rights, and gay and lesbian rights. Her career began to spiral downward in 1976 when she lost her Senate campaign. However, she still continued to work to make a difference through becoming a leader in the international women's movement, working in the United Nations Decade for Women conferences, and creating the Women's Environment and Development Organization until her death in 1998.

"Bella Abzug." Teaching Tolerance A Project of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Teaching Tolerance. Web.

This online article was published by Teaching Tolerance. It focused primarily on Bella Abzugs role as an activist for human rights, womens rights, and the environment. She was also a feminist and believed that women should be empowered both socially and economically to men in order to solve the problems of the world. As a lawyer, Abzug worked on cases primarily dealing with labor laws and civil rights. One of these cases was of Willie McGee, a black man in Mississippi who was accused of raping a white woman, when in reality they were a longtime couple. Some examples of Abzugs advancements for both human and womens rights were the Equal Rights Amendment, the Freedom of Information Act, banning the discrimination of women seeking credit, the Right to Privacy Act, social security of homemakers, abortion rights, and paying attention to the issues of veterans, gay/lesbian rights, and city aid. Her many advancements in her political career involved being one of nine women of the 435 members in the House of Representatives, being both the co-founder and co-chair of the National Womens Political Caucus, leading the fight for equal representation of men and women at Democratic Party Conventions, organizing a panel for the first United Nations Womens Conference, and running for Senate. She was named one of the twenty most influential women in the world by a Gallup Poll.

Berman, Eliza. "Hillary Clinton Has This Woman to Thank for Her Campaign." Time. Time, 12 Apr. 2015. Web.

This article was written by Eliza Berman for Time magazine. In this article, it proceeded to talk about how Hillary Clinton would never have been able to run for president if it wasn't for Bella Abzug to revolutionize the roles of women in politics. The article then proceeded to include a biography of Bella Abzug that focused on her political life. In 1971, she became one of the twelve women in Congress and fought for women's rights, peace, and gay rights. She co-created the National Women's Political Caucus and helped women to achieve 35% of the seats available for the National Democratic Convention in its first year and supported women running for office. Throughout her whole career, she was never seen without her wide-brimmed hats for she was mistaken for being a secretary while working as a lawyer.

Brenner, Marie. "What Makes Bella Run?" Editorial. New York Magazine 20 Jan. 1977. What Makes Bella Abzug Run for Mayor --. New York Magazine. Web.

This magazine article by Marie Brenner was published by New York Magazine. This article was originally published in 1977 when she was running for mayor of New York City. Abzug was regarded quite highly, for she was considered the most popular female politician in America of the time. There was even question if she was going to run for Senator. The author of the article followed Bella Abzug around for the day while she was at Harvard's Institute of Politics. It included what she expected from the election, what she would do, her choices/decisions, and future consequences depending on if she won the election or not.

"Early History." Nwpc. National Women's Political Caucus. Web.

This article is a document from the Caucus Archives from 1979. The National Womens Political Caucus was found in 1971 by many independent women, such as then President of Women USA, Bella Abzug. The organization was the only one during that time to increase womens participation in both political and social aspects in all life. Some examples of this includes the increase of women elected officials from 4.7% to 23.5% from 1971 to 1979, increase in women mayors throughout the United States, increasing from 7 women mayors of cities whose populations are over 30,000 in 1971 to 76 mayors in 1979, and 15 women members in Congress in 1971 to 89 women in 1979. The rest of the document cites specific achievements of the organization from 1971 through 1979.

"Equal Rights Amendment - Further Readings." - Era, Women, Ratified, and Ratification. Net Industries. Web.

This online document is the background information about the Equal Rights Movement. It was the most highly debated and publicized amendment that the United States faced between 1970 and 1980. Despite being introduced quite early into Congress in 1923, there was no action taken for it until after the National Organization of Women was created. In order for this to be ratified, thirty eight states had to approve it. However, the southern states had a problem with this. Some of the fruitless arguments were that men and women were different biologically and how the amendment was actually unnecessary because women already had enough constitutional protections and did not require more. Eventually, thirty eight states did agree with the amendment and it became a law.

Gollust, Shelley, Shirley Griffith, and Rich Kleinfeldt. "People in America." Bella Abzug, 1920-1998: Activist for Women's Rights Was Known for Her Large Hats and Strong Opinions. Prod. Lawan Davis. 27 Apr. 2008. VOA. Web. Transcript.This online article is a transcript of a radio broadcast about Bella Abzug that was published by the VOA Special English Program People in America. This broadcast included information about Bella Abzug as an activist for both civil and womens rights and what she had contributed to improve the lives of others. Abzug was an outspoken individual, even being called one of the most outspoken members of Congress. She brought light to topics that she felt were important, like health care for families, the unfair treatment of women, and rights of homosexuals. In many cases she did help to make a change, including writing the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts that forbids the FBI to withhold information, writing a legislation to prevent the unfair treatment of women, and presenting the first bill for equal rights of homosexuals. Abzug also was an anti-war activist and was against the involvement of the United States in the war in Vietnam. Abzug was able to create all these reforms and more because she knew what problems Americans face and what they go through, unlike the majority of Congress which consisted of white males.

Hazen, Don. "Bella Abzug: In Hard Times, Look to the Legacy of the Brilliant Feisty Bella, Not the Poser Sarah Palin." Alternet. Alternet, 02 Nov. 2008. Web.

This online newspaper article written by Don Hazen for the Alternet Newspaper is a comparison between Bella Abzug and Sarah Palin. Abzug was described as being involved as a leader and an activist in all social and political problems that she faced throughout her life. Some of the problems that she faced were the Vietnam War, global human rights, civil rights, and the women's movement. The author of the article believes that Sarah Palin is incomparable to Bella Abzug and is no where near her level. He believes that Palin genuinely does not care about the people and lacks the knowledge that Abzug had and more. Abzug was an extremely hands on candidate and many of her campaigns were in the street where she can interact with people. Despite coming late into Feminism, Abzug became one of the voices of feminism due to her being in Congress and wanting to take advantage of this. Women would send her letters asking her to speak up on behalf of them and that she did.

Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Bella Abzug." Women's History. About. Web.

This online article written by Jone Johnson Lewis, a Womens History Expert. This article gives the basic overview of who Bella Abzug was and her achievements in her life. It included what she was known for, her occupations, date of birth and death, education, honors, a biography, her family, significant places relating to Abzug, organizations that she was associated with, and her religion. Bella Abzug was the first Jewish Congresswoman and is known for her large hats and larger personality. She created Womens Equality Day and was known for her works in feminism and peace activism. While in Congress, she fought actively for the Equal rights movement, day care centers throughout the United States, ending sex discrimination, and the priorities of working mothers. She gained a seat of the House of Representatives on government information and individual rights based on her work of trying to reduce American Involvement in the Vietnam War and work against the Selective Service System and the seniority system. Abzug was appointed as the co-chair of the National Advisory Committee of Women by President Jimmy Carter for one year from 1977 to 1978. However, she was fired for criticizing the President when he cut the funding for the programs of women.

MacPherson, Myra. "Bella Abzug, Champion of Women." Editorial. The Washington Post 2 Apr. 1998, B01 sec. Washington Post. The Washington Post Company. Web.

This newspaper article found online was written by Myra MacPherson for The Washington Post. The article revolves around the event of Bella Abzug being fired by President Jimmy Carter from his Labor Department advisory committee after he cut funds for womens programs. Abzug argued against this and President Carter proceeded by firing her. People in the building she was in had been congratulating for standing up to the President and for her beliefs. Abzug, however, felt guilty for she thought she was letting the committee down since she had worked so hard to get it where it was now. She felt comforted when she realized that she had paved the road for future women in politics and couldnt wait to see it. Mansnerus, Laura. "Bella Abzug, 77, Congresswoman And a Founding Feminist, Is Dead." Editorial. The New York Times 1 Apr. 1998. Web.This newspaper article is an obituary that was written by Laura Mansnerus for the New York Times. This article explained the significance of Bella Abzug and all the achievements that she made for the United States and for people, especially women. It also included quotes from people that knew Abzug or had something to say about her regarding her personality or work. She was said to be recognizable everywhere by her big hats and loud voice. A founding feminist, Abzug participated in many marches and rallies for Womens Rights and went further on to founding an international womens group that worked on environmental issues. Abzug deeply cared for the rights of her people and was said to be the first on everything and always on top in the issues that mattered, like being the first person to call an end to the Vietnam War. She even promised to take on the military-industrial complex. She wanted to use the money that was being wasted on the war to go to more important things, like health insurance for everyone in the country, housing for both people and day-care centers, and for New York City in general.

Roberts, Sam. "Podcast: Hats Off to Bella Abzug." City Room. The New York Times, 07 Dec. 2007. Web.

This newspaper article was written by Sam Roberts for the New York Times. The article first opened up discussing how Hillary Clinton still has a long journey to become president and yen discussed how far women had come in politics. In 1977, Bella Abzug organized a National Women's Conference in Houston, Texas. This would soon support a movement that would overcome the gender barriers that were once so often associated with politics and to propel more women into politics, especially towards high - ranking jobs. Abzug was accepting of lesbians and gays, something unlikely during that time, mostly due to the fact that her own daughter is a lesbian. At the end of her time, Abzug created a legacy for herself by becoming a global spokesperson for both feminism and for the environment.

Women of Valor: Bella Abzug. Jewish Women's Archive. Jewish Women's Archive, Web. 19 Mar. 2015.

This online article is a biography of Bella Abzug published by the Jewish Women's Archive, for Bella Abzug was a famous and influential Jewish woman. It included her childhood and how this has influenced her career path and future, like her already giving speeches when she was thirteen and being of the the few women to study law in the United States. It followed by including her achievements in her professional life, like running for Congress and starting the Women Strike for Peace against nuclear testing in both the United States and the Soviet Union. She also found Women USA, a political action organization and the Womens Environment and Development Organization, an international activist and advocacy network.