Johnson 1963-68 and the Great Society

Question 1

Johnson and Great Society

Answer 1

• Johnson decided to continue the work of Kennedy and carry it further. In his first speech as president he spoke about his Great Society which would declare war on poverty.
• He called for an immediate end to (racial) discrimination in employment and education.
• Johnson tackled areas that Kennedy had not been able to improve, such as medical care for the poor
  as he was an experienced politician who knew how to get things done and deal with congress.
• He passed the most measures through congress of any president and as he was a southerner, he knew how to deal with the southern democrats. Many thought his 6 foot 5 inch frame helped him to dominate others.

Question 2

Civil Rights

Answer 2

• The Civil Rights Act 1964: Banned discrimination and set up the Equal Opportunities Commission which implemented this law.
• Voting Right Act 1965: Appointed agents to ensure voting procedures were carried out fairly.
• 1967 ban on mixed race marriages lifted.

Question 3

Social Reform

Answer 3

• Elementary and Secondary Education Act 1965: Provided first ever federal funding for state education.
• Medical Care Act 1965: Provided Medicare for old and Medicaid for poor.
• The Office of Economic Opportunity funded new education and community projects in inner cities.
• Model Cities Act 1966: Targeted urban renewal and slum clearance.
• Johnson increased minimum wage from $1.25 an hour to $1.40 an hour
• $1.5 billion dollars was spent on Headstart program so that teachers could provide additional education for very young children from poor backgrounds.

Question 4

Economy

Answer 4

• Johnson cut taxes to encourage people to spend, help business grow and to create more jobs.
• Johnson improved railways and highways.
• Manufacturers and shop had to label goods fairly and clearly. Consumers had the right to return faulty goods and exchange them.
• Johnson gave federal funds to help depressed areas such as the Appalachians.

Question 5

Opposition

Answer 5

• Republicans: Accused Johnson of wasting money on welfare programs and of undermining rugged individualism
• Cities: He was accused of doing too little to tackle the problems of the inner cities. In 1967 there was serious rioting in several cities including 6 days in Watts, the black district of Los Angeles.

Question 6

Vietnam

Answer 6

• The greatest problem for Johnson was the escalation of the US involvement in the war in Vietnam.
• This was not only costly, meaning spending was diverted from the Great Society to paying for the war, but it led to increasing criticism of Johnson himself.
• His great election victory of 1964 seemed in the distant passed as many Americans celebrated his decision not to run for selection in 1968.