1. The Great Society
Chapter Section 3

2. Overview
With the assassination of President Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson is sworn into office, President Johnson had more experience in dealing with Congress and was able to get several of Kennedy's programs approved. After winning re-election, Johnson worked to get his social programs approved (Great Society Programs) focusing on Health, Welfare, Education, and Poverty approved. The effectiveness of these programs is often debated but they did improve the lives of many Americans.

3. LBJ Takes Office At 12:30pm cst - JFK was assassinated
After JFk was pronounced dead at 1:30pm cst - LBJ & Kennedy family taken to airport
By 2:30pm cst - LBJ - stood in the cabin of Air Force One (SAM 26000) and took the Oath of Office

4. Johnson's Public Statement
“This is a sad time for all people. We have suffered a loss that cannot be weighed. For me, it is a deep personal tragedy. I know that the world shares the sorrow that Mrs. Kennedy and her family bear. I will do my best. That is all I can do. I ask for your help--and God's”. - LBJ

5. LBJ’s Experience Born and Raised in Texas
55 when he gained office of the President
26 years of Congressional experience / House of Reps. / U.S. Senator / Senator Majority Leader
Served in the Navy during WWII

6. LBJ Leadership Style Impressive stature - very stern when he spoke
Reputation as a man who got things done
Getting things done = twisted arms/did favors/bargained/flattered/ & threatened
Known as the “Johnson Treatment”

7. LBJ - War on poverty LBJ - Teacher in low income area before politics
Believed a wealthy / powerful government should try to improve life of citizens
“Unfortunately, many Americans live on the outskirts of hope, some because of their poverty, some because of their color, others because of both”
Declared “War on Poverty”

8. LBJ - War on Poverty
Summer Congress passed “Economic Opportunity Act” - Created jobs / fought poverty
Started “Office of Economic Opportunity” (OEO) to coordinate new programs
“Neighborhood Youth Corps” - work study programs to help poor earn HS diploma / college degree
VISTA - Volunteers in Service to America - put young people with skills to work in poor neighborhoods

9. Election of 1964 Republican opponent - Barry Goldwater (AZ)
Very aggressive & outspoken / not well liked
On Election Day - Johnson won re-election - won all states except six.

10. LBJ & Civil rights
LBJ - Able to pass the “Civil Rights Act 1964” - barred discrimination
Voting Rights Act Ensured African Americans right to vote

11. The Great Society
“Great Society” was Johnson’s vision for a more perfect and equitable society
= over 60 programs passed
Most Significant: Medicare - medical insurance for elderly
Medicaid - Fed. & State provided health insurance to low income families
Project Head Start - Aide to children with disadvantaged circumstances

12. The Great Society
Upward Bound – Designed to provide college preparation for low income teenagers
Department of Housing & Urban Development - govt aide to rebuild housing for poor/disadvantaged
Immigration reform Act Strict Limits set - 170,000 Eastern Hemisphere & 120, Western Hemisphere (Eliminated “National Origins Act)
Opened America to more people than just Europe

13. Questions?????

14. Review 1. Name three major programs LBJ started
Answer - Medicare - Medicaid - VISTA
2. LBJ’s style for twisting arms and threatening to get what he wanted was called_________
Answer - “Johnson Treatments”
3. What “ACT” barred discrimination of “Any Kind”
Answer - Civil Rights Act of 1964
4. Where did LBJ take the oath of office?
Answer - on Air Force One