Final answer:
The issue of class warfare against the poor in the US has historical roots encompassing federal policies, labor movements, and changes in wealth distribution. Economic restructuring and the promotion of supply-side economics have contributed to the increase in wealth inequality. Additionally, legal decisions such as Citizen's United have amplified the political influence of the ultra-wealthy, elevating concerns about oligarchic trends.
Step-by-step explanation:
The class warfare against the poor in the United States can be understood as a historical development with its roots in economic policies and social dynamics. The subject typically revolves around the shift from a period of social democracy towards increased economic disparity. This shift was influenced by a variety of factors, including federal government orientation, labor movement limitations, and changes in wealth distribution.
In the 1950s, known as 'The Affluent Society', the United States saw a significant economic boom, yet, the prosperity was not evenly distributed, leading to a widening gap between the rich and the poor. This disparity has only intensified since the 1970s, following a restructuring of the economy and the adoption of supply-side economics, also known as 'Reaganomics'. The economic restructuring moved the country away from manufacturing, while changes in tax structures and spending exacerbated the inequality.
Moreover, the labor movement suffered setbacks in the face of strategies such as the American Plan, with employers and conservative governments working to undermine union legitimacy. Into the 21st century, poverty rates have increased, and the middle-class has shrunk in terms of size, income, and wealth. The 2012 Supreme Court decision in Citizen's United versus the Federal Election Commission further amplified the influence of money in politics, allowing the ultra-wealthy to have a disproportionate impact on political outcomes, which some argue could lead the US towards an oligarchy.