HISTORY This Week Declaring War on Poverty (feat. Doris Kearns Goodwin)
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Jan 6, 2025 Doris Kearns Goodwin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author, teams up with Guian McKee, a UVA professor specializing in presidential history, to discuss Lyndon Johnson's bold declaration of a 'War on Poverty' in 1964. They explore Johnson's motivations behind this ambitious initiative and the socio-political context of the era. The conversation dives into the establishment of the Economic Opportunity Act and community action programs while reflecting on the mixed legacy of this endeavor in addressing economic disparities across the nation.
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Doris Kearns Goodwin's Unexpected White House Encounter
- Doris Kearns Goodwin, a young historian, met LBJ at a White House event in 1967.
- Despite her critical article about him, Johnson offered her a position, showcasing his willingness to engage with different perspectives.
LBJ's Motivation for the War on Poverty
- LBJ's War on Poverty stemmed from his childhood experiences with poverty in Texas and his time teaching in Cotulla.
- Witnessing his students' struggles deeply impacted him, shaping his belief in government's potential to alleviate poverty.
LBJ's Early Political Career
- LBJ's political career began as a congressional aide and later as Texas head of the National Youth Administration (NYA).
- His success with the NYA reinforced his belief in the positive impact of government intervention.
