LBJ and The great society

Lbj assumes the presidency LBJ knew that any program he proposed would have to be a fulfillment of JFK’s legacy. He inherited a divided America – w/ an affluent suburb, and an impoverished inner city. LBJ decided to address the issues of the underprivileged.

LBJ’s “War on poverty” LBJ felt strongly about ending poverty because: He did not grow up wealthy. He had taught school for a time in an inner city area. He deeply believed in social action = that a wealthy, powerful government should try to improve the lives of its citizens. He wanted history to portray him as a good President.

The economic opportunity act This legislation believed that the main causes of poverty in America were: Inadequate public services Illiteracy Unemployment This act established 10 new programs w/in the new Office of Economic Opportunity.

VISTA VISTA was basically a domestic version of the Peace Corps. It put young people to work in poor neighborhoods and rural areas to eliminate poverty. This offered many different programs throughout impoverished areas.

LBJ’s Great society LBJ’s domestic agenda was called the Great Society. His 2 main goals were: To ensure Civil Rights to minorities To end poverty where it existed in the United States.

LBJ reforms health care One of the Great Society’s most lasting efforts was in the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare – provided health care insurance to Americans over 65 through the Social Security system. Medicaid – provided health care insurance to welfare recipients who were living below the poverty line.

LBJ Reforms Public Education Johnson provided federal funds for public and private schools for textbooks, libraries, and special education programs. He began project Head Start which allowed underprivileged children to attend pre-school for free. He also began Upward Bound which prepared low-income teenagers for college.

LBJ Reforms the Inner Cities Johnson provided subsidies to inner city neighborhoods to improve health care, transportation, housing, and policing. $ 8 billion was given to construct affordable housing for low and middle-income peoples.

The Legacy of the Great Society The legacy of LBJ’s Great Society programs are: Its impact was limited Some programs grew so quickly that they were unmanageable Led to a massive growth in federal programs, and led some to believe the government had the “responsibility” to bail them out. Some programs had a serious lack of funds.

The Legacy of the Great Society Great Society legislation that still exists: Medicare and Medicaid Department of Transportation Department of Urban Housing Head Start If LBJ fell short it was b/c the goals he set were so high.