Question

In a paragraph of 3–5 sentences, explain Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty,” and describe key programs in the plan, which included housing programs, jobs programs, and social safety net benefits.

Answer 1

Lyndon B. Johnson's war on poverty was created in 1964 in order to allocate more government funding into the efforts to alleviate poverty. This legislation was a direct response toward the statistic that found around 19% of American live in property during that time. The main focus of the legislation is to improve the living condition of the poor and improve their economic opportunities.

Key programs:

- Housing programs

The legislation made it easier for poor family to obtain loan for property purchase. Before the legislation they were often denied since the credit provider believed that they're too big of a risk.

- Jobs programs

Provided Free vocational training and education for people who are at least 16 years old. These programs received around $1.7 billion in funding each year and was aimed to improve the quality of human resources in the country. Having those training and education will help them get higher paying jobs

- Social safety net benefits

They give these benefits in the form of food stamps and cash transfers.

Answer 2

President Lyndon B. Johnson worked day in and day out to eliminate poverty, injustice and crime from the American society. For this purpose they introduced the idea of "Great Society".

They passed many acts. Out of all of them "Economic Opportunity Act" was very important. Along with this, many legislatures were passed as well. They introduced 40 strategic programs.

Some of them are Community Action Program, VISTA, Job Corps, Head Start, Legal Services etc.

This paved the way to the Great Society envisioned by the President. Many of the programs introduced by him are still functional till today.

Due to his efforts, poverty was reduced as new jobs were created, education system was revolutionized and racial injustices were prevented.