How Did Jfk Liberalism Dbq

Liberalism was very evident throughout the John F. Kennedy and the Lyndon Johnson years (1960-1968). During the Democratic National Convention of 1960, Kennedy announced his “New Frontier” theme for his administration’s drive to confront the “unsolved problems of peace and war, unconquered pockets of ignorance and prejudice, [and the] unanswered questions about poverty and surplus”. (Roark, p. 933) Kennedy began his administration “promising activism and renewal and offering a new style of leadership that boasted of youth, energy, and effectiveness”. (Lecture, Week 8) Four years later, in 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson declared and expressed his ideas of the ideal “Great Society”, which revolved around “liberty for all and demands an end to poverty

(Week 8, Doc. 25) Then he added later that American’s must “ask what you can do for your country, not what your country can do for you”. (Week 8, Doc. 25) He believed by working together, we could begin to solve the Nations social problems. Kennedy was trying to show American’s that it’s necessary to fight for what’s fair in society, and to help others help themselves in order to prosper. The public felt Kennedy, with his idealism and vigor, would be a good fit for Presidential leadership, and would be effective in reducing the many of America’s domestic problems. After failing to keep some of his campaign promises such as, expanding the welfare state, and health care programs, he acted, after much pressure from civil right activists and pushed Congress by calling for a comprehensive Civil Rights bill. After seeing poverty in Appalachia first hand, Kennedy eventually gained support for “a $2 billion urban renewal program” to encourage some businesses to help by locating new business ventures in economically depressed areas. (Roark, p. 934) In 1963 Kennedy had a plan to attack poverty, he asked Congress for a huge tax cut which would “infuse” money into the economy in order boost it and decrease unemployment. His belief was that “a rising tide lifts all boats”. (Roark, p. 934) As a result, the economy shot up annually by 7 -9

His Vice President, Lyndon Johnson, was sworn in as the new President and carried an equal, if not higher motivation to fight for and followed the same anti-poverty agenda that Kennedy aspired. Like Kennedy, Johnson’s ambitions as President took him on the path of a more liberal position in domestic matters. At the end of his presidency, Johnson had pushed through many domestic policy bills. It is said that he even outdid Roosevelt’s “New Deal” from the 1930s. (Roark, p. 935) Johnson’s “Great Society” was his outline to reduce poverty, it eventually created laws that helped and supported Civil Rights, Medicare, Medicaid, desegregation in schools, and more. Johnsons accomplishments included “War on Poverty”, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Immigration and Nationality act of 1965, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968. These accomplishments specifically outlawed racial segregation, outlawed voting discrimination, and gave equal opportunities to all no matter the race, religion, or origin. These accomplishments were very beneficial to many citizens who felt disenfranchised. The “number of families receiving assistance” went from less than 1 million to three million between 1960-1972. (Roark, p. 936) With the charm and idealism of John F. Kennedy, followed by the very aggressive Lyndon Johnson, and the favorable decisions of the “Warren Court” (1953-1969),