LBJ & the Great Society

1. LBJ & the Great Society Chapter 28 Section 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEw8yWpK0jA

2. I Johnson’s Road to Power • LBJ grew up in Texas  entered politics as a “New Dealer” or spokesperson for struggling farmers • FDR takes him under his wing • LBJ’s skillful politics in Congress  Civil Rights Act of 1957 • LBJ’s skill at achieving results in congress  VP nominee on Dem. Ticket • LBJ on the pres. Ticket helped JFK to win key states in the south including Texas

3. II LBJ’s Domestic Agenda • Urged congress to continue JFK’s work in Civil Rights and tax cuts • Tax cut bill spurred econ growth (stimulated consumer spendinghigher corp. profitshigher tax revenueslower fed. Deficit) • LBJ signs Civil Rights Act of 1964= prohibiting discrimination • War on Poverty  believed bold public action could change lives of Americans who lived w/o hope of reaching American dream • Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) = $1 mil. for poverty, youth, & job training programs • VISTA (volunteers in Service to America) • Project Head Start= EDU program for under privileged preschoolers • Community Action Program = encouraged poor ppl to participate in setting up public-works programs

4. II 1964 Election & the Great Society • Dem. LBJ VS Rep. Barry Goldwater who believed gov’t had no right trying to right social and econ wrongs such as poverty, discrimination, & lack of opportunity • Goldwater attacks Social Security & talk of nuke attack on Cuba frightens Americans • Plays on fears http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDTBnsqxZ3k • LBJ wins by landslide & gain seats in congress • The Great Society http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Qc1VM80aQ • Start at 3rd minute