LBJ & the Great Society Chapter 28 Section 3

I Johnson’s Road to Power LBJ grew up in Texas  entered politics as a “New Dealer” or spokesperson for struggling farmers FDR takes him under his wing LBJ’s skillful politics in Congress  Civil Rights Act of 1957 LBJ’s skill at achieving results in congress  VP nominee on Dem. Ticket LBJ on the pres. Ticket helped JFK to win key states in the south including Texas

II LBJ’s Domestic Agenda Urged congress to continue JFK’s work in Civil Rights and tax cuts Tax cut bill spurred econ growth (stimulated consumer spending  higher corp. profits  higher tax revenues  lower fed. Deficit) LBJ signs Civil Rights Act of 1964= prohibiting discrimination War on Poverty  believed bold public action could change lives of Americans who lived w/o hope of reaching American dream Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) = $1 mil. for poverty, youth, & job training programs VISTA (volunteers in Service to America) Project Head Start= EDU program for under privileged preschoolers Community Action Program = encouraged poor ppl to participate in setting up public-works programs

II 1964 Election & the Great Society Dem. LBJ VS Rep. Barry Goldwater who believed gov’t had no right trying to right social and econ wrongs such as poverty, discrimination, & lack of opportunity Goldwater attacks Social Security & talk of nuke attack on Cuba frightens Americans Plays on fears LBJ wins by landslide & gain seats in congress The Great Society Start at 3 rd minute