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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
War Declared on Poverty!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

War Declared on Poverty!

Artifact ID1965.28.15
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (American, 1886 - 1970)
Publisher (American)
Medium Ink and applied shading on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 12 5/8 in x W 19 1/8 in (32.1 cm x 48.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ shoots multiple bullets ("Medicare", "Education", "Transportation", "War on Poverty", "More Bills") towards "Congress" from a cannon attached to a building labeled "White House." A stack of cannon balls ("Great Society Ammunition") sits beside LBJ. A bright sunrise is seen in on the horizon. Caption reads: "War Declared on Poverty!". Artist signature at middle bottom: "John Baer for LABOR."
Historical NoteThe most ambitious and controversial part of the Great Society was its initiative to end poverty. The Kennedy Administration had been contemplating a federal effort against poverty. Johnson, who, as a teacher, had observed extreme poverty in Texas among Mexican-Americans, launched an "unconditional war on poverty" in the first months of his presidency with the goal of eliminating hunger, illiteracy, and unemployment from American life.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (American, 1908 - 1973)
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. The Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Washington
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