How successfull were JFKs social reforms?

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Lindsay Forster

HOW SUCCESSFUL WAS J.F. KENNEDY’S SOCIAL REFORMS AND WHY DID THEY NOT ACHIEVE MORE?

When Kennedy became president in 1961 a great deal was expected of him.  He was a young, glamorous, rich and handsome war hero.  America was in great need of social reform. 6.5% or 40 million “other Americans” were living below the poverty line.  Among these people were the elderly, ethnic minorities, the underpaid and unemployed and people living in poor rural areas.  These “other Americans” lived in slums and degraded areas with little or no health care, education and community togetherness.  Kennedy’s challenge was to lift these people out of poverty and into a better life.  

Kennedy’s domestic priority was economic growth and improvement.  Kennedy believed that a strong economy was essential for the USA and it's position in the world.  Kennedy was highly concerned about the rise in unemployment and pursued many policies to combat it and create jobs.  The 1962 Trade Expansion Act cut tariffs to encourage trade and encourage trade.  It did not cut personal taxes but was able to reduce taxes for businesses under the Revenue Act, which gave $1 billion in tax credits for new equipment and investment.  Kennedy also encouraged economic growth through federal spending.  He encouraged individual stated to apply for and spend federal grants on housing, education and restoration of community areas.  Kennedy believed that his improvements in the economy would help the living standards of the poor.  He also encouraged them to spend what they could to create employment opportunities.  As a result of this unemployment did start to fall and was down to 5.3% by 1964.

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Kennedy increased the minimum wage from $1.00 per hour to $1.25 per hour and extended it to more professions including retail, which was a great help to women.  This increase would lift many Americans over the poverty line slightly.  It would also cause people to spend more money, the more money people spend the richer the country becomes.  It generated a positive economy.  Raising the minimum wage also meant that the government received more taxes and had more money to spend on The Cold War and The Space Programme.  Kennedy managed to get the Man Power and Development Act ...

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