The Great Society Flashcards
Who was Kennedy?
Young and Charismatic - slogan of the “New Frontier”
What was Kennedy’s ideas for the New Frontier?
Encouraged Americans to be optimistic about the future
To look to science - e.g getting to the moon
He attempted to conquer problems relating to poverty, inequality and prejudice
What was the unemployment rate in 1961?
Peak of around 7.1%
How did Kennedy improve the economy?
Increased minimum wage from $1 - $1.25 per hour
Increased social security - more funding for elderly and unemployed
How was Kennedy limited when trying to improve the economy?
His proposition to lower taxes to stimulate growth was opposed by congress
Minimum wage benefits only helped the employed
How did Kennedy improve the healthcare system?
Kennedy proposed medical insurance called Medicare - blocked by congress
Set up a research task force to study mental health and deficiencies
How did Kennedy benefit Education?
Established peace corps - organisation that sends volunteers into less economically developed countries - work as teachers, doctors etc - still exists today
Introduce education law that increases federal aid to schools - southern disagree with idea. Despite this he sent troops to protect James Meredith
What was Johnsons ideas when he became president?
Wanted to create a ‘Great Society’ and to end poverty and racial injustice
What was the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act?
Allocated money for training, development and educational opportunities for unemployed - poverty rate 19% in 64 - 11% in 73
What was the 1965 Medicare and Medicaid Act?
Both public healthcare systems were allowed and now running
Medicare covered cost of healthcare for elderly
Medicaid covered cost of healthcare for unemployed
What was the1965 Housing and Urban Development Act?
Combat the decline in city housing standards - provided federal funds to cities for urban renewal
How did Johnson improve education?
Increased funding to colleges and unis’ - made education a federal responsibility
What did the survey that Kennedy did describe about women?
Women earned 60% less than men for the same job
95% of managers were men
Well pain professional jobs were mainly done by men
What did Betty Friedan do to campaign for equal rights?
1963 wrote The Feminine Mystique where she expressed how women were unhappy being housewives and mothers - stated it was oppressive and urged for progress in employment
What was the National Organization for Women?
NOW - set up by Betty Friedan and 48 others set it up to end discrimination in the workspace - including equal pay
What was the 1972 Equal Rights Amendment?
Congress passed it in 1972 stating that equality “must not be denied on account of sex”. Encountered much opposition as it needed to be ratified in 38 states - thus was defeated
What was Roe v Wade?
Americans deeply divided on issue of abortion
Until 1973 where each state could decide if it was legal or not
Supreme court ruled in Roe v Wade judgement that all women had a constitutional right to get an abortion
In 2022 - overturned and states can now ban abortion
Who was Shirley Chisholm?
First black woman member of Congress - Shows that the feminist movement was seen by those in power and women now had more opportunity and power
