President Johnson and the Great Society Chapter 26 Section 3

Words to Know Great Society: President Johnson’s ideas, goals, and programs for America’s future Medicare: Medical insurance and hospital care for older Americans Medicaid: Medical insurance for low- income people and people with disabilities

Action on Civil Rights Johnson had fought for civil rights for many years –Angered many southern lawmakers –Thought he should stay out of it (Texas) Many civil rights leaders did not trust him –Believed he would not take strong action

Civil Rights Act Introduced civil rights bill in Jan Congress passed it in July –Civil Rights Act of 1964 Desegregated public areas A.A. better chance getting job Protect voting rights of A.A. 1965: Helped pass the Voting Rights Act

War on Poverty After WWII some people had trouble finding jobs –Machines had replaced some –Jobs needed special skills and education Young, elderly, and immigrants more likely to be poor and jobless

Fight Johnson gave federal money to people without jobs until they found work –Programs to teach useful job skills

Economic Opportunity Act Created: –The Job Corps Paid young people while they learned new job skills –Project Head Start Preschool children from low-income families prepare for elementary school –VISTA Young people worked in cities and Indian reservations

Great Society Johnson won re- election in 1964 –Barry Goldwater (republican candidate) Great Society: –Help homeless –Help older Americans –Help low-income people –Help immigrants

Health Care Created: –Medicare –Medicaid Federal and state govt.’s pay for doctors, drugs, dental care, and eye glasses