Lyndon B. Johnson and the Great Society

Following the assassination of JFK, Johnson wanted to further the domestic advances made by JFK, as well as meeting the following three major legislative goals: Stimulate the Economy Enact Civil Rights Legislation Declare War on Poverty

Personality Political Experience Large and intense with none of Kennedy’s good looks, polish, or charm Hardworking and ambitious Genuine desire to help others Greater concern for the poor and underprivileged than Kennedy Believed in an expanded role for government in making Americans’ lives better Political Experience School teacher in Texas Served as Texas Congressman Served as U.S. Senator Served as majority leader in the Senate after one term as senator By 1960, Johnson had more influence in Washington, D.C., than any other Democrat.

Stimulate the Economy Tax Reduction Act of 1964. Cut taxes by $11.5 billion. Result: consumer spending rose by $45 billion in four years and unemployment fell to under 4%.

Economic Opportunity Act War on Poverty Economic Opportunity Act Funded several new anti-poverty programs The Job Corps offered work-training programs for unemployed youth. VISTA was a domestic version of the Peace Corps. Other programs provided education for adults, work for unemployed parents, and help to fight rural poverty and assist migrants.

Enact Civil Rights Legislation Civil Rights Act of 1964 Outlawed discrimination in public facilities. Authorized the attorney general to sue to desegregate public facilities and schools. Stopped federal funds to states and localities that failed to integrate. Forbade the unequal application of voter registration standards. Forbade discrimination from employers or labor unions on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, physical disability, or age.