LBJ & the Great SocietyChapter 28 Section 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEw8yWpK0jA

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

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

spendinghigher corp. profitshigher tax revenueslower 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

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