Optimism Confindence Arrogance Hubris Lyndon B. Johnson Optimism Confindence Arrogance Hubris

Contrast between JFK and LBJ JFK handsome and charismatic LBJ homely and awkward JFK well spoken Vulgar and crass

The LBJ to admire Compassionate: taught very poor Mexican-American children for a year. Became a defender of the poor Ambitious: A true Texan- liked to talk, think and dream big Ruthless: Bullied and intimidated to get his way

LBJ Treatment

LBJ to hate Vulgar and rude: Was an expert curser Vain: Gave Whitehouse visitors busts of himself (even the Pope!) Had over 500K pix taken of him while in W.H. Ruthless: Bullied and intimidated to get his way

Historical viewpoint of LBJ Earned lasting respect (Civil Rights) & lasting animosity (Vietnam) Rode coattails JFK into office but proved and excellent politician. Achieved more legislative success than any other pres. Except FDR ( who had 12 yrs) JFK set the agenda LBJ carried it out

“War on Poverty” America was in the mood for reform Strong econ. meant $ to spend on reform Poverty was rediscovered in Appalachia People trusted ideas of experts People had faith in govt action

The “other America”

Difficult dilemmas of poverty How do we measure poverty? (the poor of the 1960s led far better lives than the poor of the 1930s, but in relative terms. Who are the deserving or undeserving poor? (temporary v. permanent) Why does poverty exist?

Achievements of War on Poverty Head Start and Job Corp were started, although many were never funded well 1960 poverty was @ 22%, by 1970 13% (were programs responsible??) Still too many hoops for many poor to jump through

1964 Election: a landslide

Liberal Legislation 1965 National Endowment for the Humanities National Endowment for the Arts Clean Air and Water Acts Wilderness Protection Act

“The Great Society” A courageous legislative push to gain a better quality of life for all Americans especially the underserved

Voting Rights Act

Immigration Act 1965

Other ground breaking legislation Federal Aid to Education Medicare and Medicaid – medical insurance to poor and elderly

Assessment of “The Great Society” Many lasting legislative achievements Mixed results, too hasty or rushed Some thought it did too little, others thought it increased govt too much Raised expectations to an unachievable level

“They were optimists who reflected the confidence of most contemporary American liberal thought. Unlike radicals, they thought that most poor people needed only a helping hand to rise in life. Unlike conservatives, they had great faith that government could and should extend that hand. “ -James Paterson - Historian

LBJ’s Demise: Vietnam