The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) would have guaranteed men and women equal rights and protections under the law. In spite of its failure, how did the ERA contribute to changes in women's status in the United States?

A.
It created the opportunity for many women to work outside of the home for the first time.
B.
It caused many women to abandon the political process and become more radical about equality.
C.
It caused national attention to be focused on the progress made by the women's movement.
D.
It created a national focus on equal opportunity employment and the political power of women.

D. It created a national focus on equal opportunity employment and the political power of women. The ERA brought attention to issues related to gender equality and discrimination, leading to legislative and social changes that improved women's status in the United States. It also inspired activism and advocacy for women's rights, contributing to greater representation and empowerment of women in politics and the workforce.