Maddy Heitman Kevin Bargetto Hannah Michelson Johnson and “The Great Society”

Outline Background The Great Society Economic Opportunity Act Medicare Appalachian Regional Development Act Civil Rights

Key terms Civil Rights Act Voting Right Act Appalachian Regional Development Act Economic Opportunity Act The Great Society

Background Lyndon B. Johnson was born in Stonewall, Texas in a small farmhouse to a poor family Served as a United States Representative from 1937–1949 and as a Senator from 1949– 1961 Was JFK’s vice president Took over as president in 1963 Won the 1964 presidential election with ease

The Great Society Was his reform program Wanted to spread benefits of prosperity and eliminate poverty Vowed to secure the measures Kennedy sought

Economic Opportunity Act The EOA was passed in August, 1964 Established the Head Start program Secured employment for inner city youths Set up a domestic version of the Peace Corps known as VISTA

Medicare Signed on July 30, 1965 Health insurance program for elderly Americans Harry S. Truman was enrolled as Medicare's first beneficiary. Johnson wanted to recognize Truman

Appalachian Regional Development Act Billions of dollars were channeled into housing reform through rent subsidies for low-income families and the “model cities” In 1964, the President’s Appalachian Regional Commission (PARC) reported to Congress that economic growth in the Appalachian’s would not be possible until the region’s isolation had been overcome. As a result, Congress authorized the construction of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) The ADHS was designed to generate economic development, supplement the interstate system, and provide access to areas within the Region

Civil Rights Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation in public accommodations and created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Poll taxes and literacy tests were removed This lead to more violence and racism towards African Americans

The End