Topic 2 - Nixons Assault On The Great Society Flashcards
What did a poll in 1984 reveal?
84% of Americans believed that too many people were receiving benefits instead of working
What were the three main attacks Nixon made on the great society?
Shrank office of economic opportunity
Vetoed 1971 child development act (would of allowed poor mothers to claim free childcare enabling them to work)
Tried to reform welfare with family assistance plan (blocked by congress due to mass opposition)
What did Nixon do to support the great society?
Increased spending on education, private healthcare, Medicare, medicaid. Ending up spending more on social reform than LBJ
What was Nixon’s view on affirmative action?
Said he opposed it and tried to slow down desegregation of schools however his record on race was impressive
His promotion of affirmative action ensured it stuck in gov agencies and contractors for years to come
What did Nixon’s campaign show?
The nation was divided between those who wanted change and those who wanted to return to traditional values
What role did the media have on people’s views?
Films, TV shows, news all carved people’s opinions on civil rights, protest movements and the war
What did Nixon tell advisers?
Told them Americans were outraged by welfare system
