President Johnson’s Great Society

Johnson’s Domestic Agenda To alleviate poverty Johnson declared a “war on poverty” The Economic Opportunity Act, signed into law in August 1964, created the Job Corps training program, the VISTA volunteer program, and Project Head Start, an education program for poor preschoolers.

The Great Society Johnson said in a speech that, “the Great Society demands an end to poverty and racial injustice. Johnson’s vision was to create a society with a higher standard of living, equal opportunity and a richer quality of life for all.

Landmark Legislation The Education Act of 1965 – Provided 1 billion dollars to for schools to purchase textbooks and library materials. The establishment of Medicare – Provides hospital insurance and low cost medical insurance for everyone 65 years and older The establishment of Medicaid – Health insurance for welfare recipients. The creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Provided public housing and low cost housing for middle to low income Americans. The Immigration Act of 1965 – Opened the door to many non- European immigrants.

Other Aspects of the Great Society Environmental Protection – The Water Quality Act of 1965 in response to Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring Consumer Protection – Safety laws for products and a truth in packaging law that set standards for labeling.

Point/Counter Point Read the Point/Counterpoint on page 850 and answer question 1, Forming Opinions. – Do you think the Great Society was a success or a failure?