In a significant policy shift, President Lyndon B. Johnson introduced the 'War on Poverty' during his first State of the Union address in January 1964. This initiative aimed to combat the pervasive problem of poverty affecting millions of Americans, particularly those living in rural areas and inner cities. The declaration highlighted the stark reality that around 19% of the U.S. population was living below the poverty line. Johnson's vision was to create a society where economic opportunity was available to all, tackling the root causes of poverty rather than merely alleviating its effects.

The initiative led to the establishment of various programs designed to uplift the impoverished sections of the population. Notable legislation included the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which created Community Action Agencies, Job Corps, and Head Start, among others. The programs focused on education, economic development, and job training, aiming to empower individuals with the skills necessary to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. As a cornerstone of Johnson’s Great Society agenda, this move transformed the federal government's role in alleviating poverty and providing social welfare.

Johnson's declaration was not just symbolic; it was a call to national action. The War on Poverty inspired a myriad of governmental and philanthropic efforts, spurring local communities, states, and private organizations to further explore innovative solutions to poverty-related challenges. While the initiative saw some successes in education and job training, challenges persisted, marking a complex legacy of poverty initiatives in the subsequent decades.