LBJ domestic policy Flashcards
The Johnson Treatment
At 6’3”, LBJ could be an imposing figure, which he used to full effect. He made aides uncomfortable conducting meetings on the toilet, and berated his staff. He was also known to have an incredible work ethic. His political ability was shown in his ability to get bills passed without relying on executive orders extensively.
The Great Society
LBJ announced an “unconditional war on poverty”, intending to challenge urban renewal, environment, healthcare and education issues.
Major legislature
1964
- Economic Opportunity Act, to battle the war on poverty.
- Urban Mass transportation Act
- Housing Act - federal funds for public housing as well as rent subsidies for the poor.
- Civil Rights Act
- Wilderness Protection Act
1965
- Medical Care Act, creation of Medicaid and Medicare programs to help poor and elderly.
- Elementary and Secondary Education Act, aid to poorer children
- Voting Rights Act
- Air and Water quality Act
- Minimum Wage Act, rose minimum wage to 1.40 from 1.24
- Higher Education Act
1966
- Highway Safety Act
- Redevelopment Act, focus on social care, training, housing in cities
Domestic Programs vs Vietnam
Between 1965-73 $16 billion spent on “Great Society” Programs, whereas $120 billion was spent on Vietnam… overshadowed.
Long term success of the Great Society
In 1959 there were 40 million “poor” families in America, but by 1968 this number was estimated to be 25 million, showing a fair degree of success. GDP also grew by $9 billion with unemployment lower than 2%, if at the cost of rising inflation.
Rise of the silent majority
Such politicians as Nixon and Reagan claimed that LBJ’s policies weren’t representative of the views of the many who thought that they were being forced to subsidise the poor and civil rights. There were more issues as inflation slowly crept up during his Presidency, giving Nixon a problem to deal with.
Balanced Budget?
Despite his ambitious domestic plans in the Great Society, the budget deficit did reduce from 60% to 40% under LBJ.
1968 Youth Protest
Causes included civil rights, war in Vietnam, environmental protest (relating to pesticides).
Youth culture
There was a “British invasion” of music with the Beatles and The Rolling Stones, along with American artists like Bob Dylan. These groups were credited with the surge or recreational drug use and exploration of sexuality in the youth. There was also the growth of “flower power” and the hippie movement.
The radicalisation of African-Americans
- Growth of Black Panther Movement.
- Growth of “Black Power”, with the exercise of physical power to claim rights.
- Riots in Watts, California, black ghettoes.
- CORE and SNCC became more militant with the death of Malcolm X in 1965.
- Riots got worse in 1968 after death of MLK “King riots” in DC.
The Yippies (Youth International Party)
American youth-oriented radical and countercultural revolutionary offshoot of the free speech and anti-war movements of the late 1960s. It was founded on December 31, 1967. They employed theatrical gestures to mock the social status quo.
