Question

Which of the following describes President Johnson's "War on Poverty"? A. LBJ designed a plan to eliminate the enemy (poverty) the way a military general prepares to battle against an enemy during wartime. B. LBJ declared war on Southeast Asian countries that could not end poverty on their own. C. LBJ declared war on European countries that were poverty stricken so he could rule them. D. LBJ designed a plan to eliminate poverty by using funds that were originally designated for the military.

Answer 1

Answer: I would contend that the right answer is the A) LBJ designed a plan to eliminate the enemy (poverty) the way a military general prepares to battle against an enemy during wartime.

Explanation: For President Johnson, who had experienced poverty in his childhood, it was of uttermost urgency to put an end to it. About 1 in 5 Americans were poor when, on January 8, 1964, the recently elected president spoke before Congress and called for a "War on Poverty," which "the richest nation on Earth" could not afford to lose. Johnson saw lack of health care, of housing, of education and of food as fierce foes that had to be destroyed, like war enemies, hence his use of the phrase "War on Poverty." The War on Poverty was part of a very comprehensive legislative program aimed at improving the welfare of many Americans and creating a more equal American society.  

Answer 2

The correct answer I believe is D.