From the War on Poverty to the War on Crime

Elizabeth Hinton's From the War on Poverty to the War on Crime examines U.S. domestic policy from the 1960s through the 1980s. The book traces how federal policymakers shifted from antipoverty programs to law enforcement initiatives during this period. The narrative follows key political figures and policy decisions that transformed American approaches to urban poverty and crime. Through archival research and policy analysis, Hinton documents the expansion of surveillance and policing in urban communities, particularly those of color. The book analyzes how social programs became increasingly intertwined with law enforcement under successive presidential administrations from Johnson to Reagan. This research draws on previously unavailable government documents and data to reconstruct the evolution of federal crime policy. This work reveals the complex relationships between social welfare, racial politics, and the growth of America's carceral state. The author's analysis challenges conventional narratives about crime control while examining the lasting impact of these policies on contemporary American society.

Readers value this book's detailed research connecting 1960s federal policy decisions to mass incarceration. On Goodreads, multiple reviewers note the extensive archival evidence and clear documentation of how liberal policies contributed to expanded policing. Readers appreciate: - Clear links between social welfare and crime control policies - Specific examples of how federal funding shaped local law enforcement - Documentation of bipartisan support for punitive measures Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Repetitive points in middle chapters - Focus on federal policy over local/state actions One frequent comment is that the book works better as a reference text than a cover-to-cover read. Several reviewers mention skimming certain sections while focusing on the key historical connections. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.29/5 (369 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (116 ratings) LibraryThing: 4.1/5 (21 ratings)

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📚 Elizabeth Hinton wrote this groundbreaking work while teaching at Harvard University and Yale University, bringing her expertise in both history and African American studies to the project. 🏛️ The book reveals how liberal politicians, not just conservatives, played a crucial role in expanding America's prison system, particularly through policies initiated during Lyndon Johnson's Great Society era. 📊 Hinton's research shows that federal funding for law enforcement grew by 800% between 1965 and 1974, marking a dramatic shift in domestic policy priorities. 🗄️ The author accessed previously unused government archives and policy documents to demonstrate how social welfare programs were increasingly transformed into crime control initiatives. 🔄 The book traces how the War on Poverty's initial focus on social programs and youth opportunities gradually morphed into the War on Crime, establishing patterns of surveillance and control in urban communities that continue today.