OPTIC
LBJ Being Sworn In As President (1963)
Unit 11 Notes Part 1: LBJ & Nixon Essential Questions: Analyze the political, economic, and social impact of political controversies such as poverty and desegregation Describe the civil and equal rights movements and identify its key leaders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDTBnsqxZ3k In 1964, American voters elected LBJ to 4 more years as president. This is the campaign ad shown on TV that helped him completely crush his opponent (LBJ- 74% Goldwater- 26%)
LBJ’s Accomplishments LBJ’s federal programs to help Americans became known as “The Great Society”. He declared a “war on poverty” because so many people were poor, despite the country’s general prosperity.
LBJ’s Accomplishments Civil Rights Act of 1964 Supported by Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Outlawed racial discrimination in public places and employment Voting Rights Act of 1965 Protected the rights of all people, regardless of race, to vote
LBJ’s Accomplishments Education Act of 1965 Granted millions to school for books, libraries, and special education programs Head Start Funded preschool
Effects of Great Society At first it seemed very successful Soon, bloody race riots erupted in poor areas LBJ faced complaints: Taxes being spent on the poor Federal government gained too much power. During the period, poverty was cut in half.
During this time the Civil Rights Movement is also happening… How might anger with The Great Society and the Civil Rights Movement be connected?
1968: A Critical Year LBJ decides not to run again for president MLK was assassinated in Memphis, TN by James Earl Ray Robert F. Kennedy (JFK’s brother) was assassinated in Los Angeles while campaigning for president by Sirhan Sirhan Republican Richard Nixon was elected president
Nixon & The “Watergate” Scandal In 1972, tape recordings revealed Nixon was involved in a cover-up of the burglary of the Democratic headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in Washington D.C. August 8, 1974: Nixon resigned from office
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9rfEVWA2Ig What was Watergate?