1. Bellringer
By the time Johnson was elected vice-president in 1960, he had 26 years of congressional experience. How might Johnson’s years in Congress have helped him achieve his policy goals as president?

2. Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society
PowerPoint by Mr. Hataway
Created February 26, 2003
Revised February 24, 2012
Edited February 22, 2016

3. Essential Question: Can government fix society’s problems?
How do you think President Johnson changed American society?

4. Johnson Take the Reins Johnson’s Leadership Style
Johnson took oath of office hours after Kennedy’s death.
Spent 26 years in Congress.
Unlike Kennedy, Johnson spoke directly and roughly.
Worked to find consensus and build coalitions.
Twisted arms, bargained, flattered and threatened in order to get things done.

5. War on Poverty
“Unfortunately, many Americans live on the outskirt of hope ― some because of their poverty, and some because of their color, and all too many because of both. Our task is to help replace their despair with opportunity. This administration declares unconditional war on poverty in America.” ― Lyndon B. Johnson, State of the Union Address January 8, 1964

6. War on Poverty
Johnson declared an “unconditional war on poverty in America”
Influenced by The Other America by Michael Harrington
50 million people living in poverty
Pursued an anti-poverty program

7. Poverty Rate in America, 1960 - 2010

8. War on Poverty Congress enacted the Economic Opportunity Act (1964).
Neighborhood Youth Corps – work-study program for underprivileged earning high school diploma or college degree.
Job Corps – helped unemployed people ages acquire job skills.
VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) – put young people with skills to work in poor neighborhoods and rural areas.

10. War on Poverty Congress enacted the Economic Opportunity Act (1964).
Upward Bound – offered tutoring and college preparation for low-income teenagers.

11. 36th President of the United States
Lyndon Johnson taught English at Sam Houston High School in Houston, Texas.
Served as U.S. Representative from 1937 to 1949 and U.S. Senator from 1949 to 1961 (six as Majority Leader)
Lyndon B. Johnson
36th President of the United States
Democrat

12. Election of 1964 Johnson versus Republican candidate Barry Goldwater.
Goldwater too aggressive toward Communism.
Johnson won in landslide.

13. The Great Society Programs

14. Great Society
Addressed concerns of education, poverty, environment, civil rights, health and welfare.
A vision of a more perfect, more equitable society.

15. Great Society Health and Welfare Medicare (1965) Medicaid (1965)
Health insurance for the elderly
Funded through Social Security
Medicaid (1965)
Provided healthcare for those on welfare or living below the poverty line
Child Nutrition (1966)
School breakfast program
Expanded school lunch and milk programs

16. Great Society Civil Rights The Civil Rights Act of 1964
Voting Rights Act of 1965

17. Great Society Addressing Inner City Problems
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Created by Congress, 1965.
Robert Weaver, first HUD secretary, also first African American to serve on the President’s Cabinet.

18. Great Society Education Project Head Start (1965)
an education program for disadvantaged preschoolers.
Fosters social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

19. Great Society Education Elementary and Secondary Education Act (1965)
First federal law mandating federal funds to primary and secondary education.
Improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.
Require accountability from states and school districts.

20. Great Society Education Higher Education Act (1965)
College tuition scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs for low and middle-income students.

21. Effects of the Great Society
Effects on Poverty
1960s & 1970s, number living in poverty cut in half.
Some complained that too many tax dollars spent on poor.
Others criticized anti-poverty programs expanded size of the federal government.

22. Affirmative Action

23. Affirmative Action
Affirmative Action – positive steps taken to increase the representation of women and minorities in areas of employment, education, and business from which they have been historically excluded.

24. Title IX of the Education Act

25. TITLE IX (Title 9)
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal assistance. . .” Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to the Civil Rights Act of 1964

26. TITLE IX
Title IX
Prohibited federally funded schools from discriminating against girls in nearly all aspects of their operations, from admissions to athletics.
Best known for its impact on high school and collegiate athletics.

28. Reflection Question The Great Society
Which program do you feel had the most lasting significance? Why?
Which of these programs affects you or your family’s life today? How?