1. LBJ Takes Office

2. Lyndon B. Johnson and the Great Society: Nov. 1963-1968 Johnson (Kennedy’s Vice President) becomes President upon Kennedy’s death. Leadership style: Great consensus builder, but could be abrasive Excellent record on Civil Rights – Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Voting Rights Act of 1964

5. Lyndon B. Johnson and the Great Society: Nov. 1963-1968 “War on Poverty” (included many of the initiatives that Kennedy was unable to get through Congress) – Believed that a wealthy, powerful government should help improve lives of citizens Good timing because economy was growing stronger

6. Lyndon B. Johnson and the Great Society: Nov. 1963-1968 Great Society: – Goals included the elimination of poverty and of racial injustice. – New major spending programs that addressed education, medical care, urban problems, and transportation were launched during this period. – Resembled the New Deal; LBJ said he wanted to fulfill FDR’s mission but it wasn’t just about relief to the poor

7. Lyndon B. Johnson and the Great Society: Nov. 1963-1968 Great Society: – Mixed results Many programs did achieve success, even if limited Spending on the Vietnam War reduced funding for many of its programs and limited its success Re-introduced debate over the proper role of government in meeting the everyday needs of citizens

8. Lyndon B. Johnson and the Great Society: Nov. 1963-1968 – Lasting programs: Medicare (Care for the elderly) Medicaid (Aid the poor) Federal education funding Head Start Created Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Department of Transportation

9. Lyndon B. Johnson and the Great Society: Nov. 1963-1968 LBJ’s Legacy: his domestic achievements are often overshadowed by his involvement in the escalation of the war in Vietnam.