ipl-logo

Taking A Look At Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society

582 Words3 Pages

Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society stands as a defining moment in American history, focused on social reform on a large range of issues. While the fix of racial equality and quality of life for the American people were undeniably important themes, a closer look reveals that Johnson’s ideals were deeply rooted in a commitment to improving educational quality and opportunity for the American people. Examining Johnson's own statements and the design of the Great Society's educational programs makes it clear that fostering a more educated citizenry was the cornerstone of his uplifting plan. LBJ’s focus for reform was on improvement in education systems for children. In a 1964 speech, he declared, "I propose that we begin a program in education to ensure every American child the fullest development of his mind and skills." 1. The This statement reveals Johnson's belief that education was not just a means to an end, but an intrinsic good, a path to unlocking human potential regardless of background. The Great Society's educational initiatives reflect this belief. LBJ targeted low-income school districts, aiming to bridge the funding gap that often left them struggling. Johnson understood that a child's potential could be stifled by an …show more content…

A strong foundation in early education is crucial, but without continued support, that potential can remain unrealized. Investing in higher education was equally important to Johnson's vision. Johnson stated, “For the college years we will provide scholarships to high school students of the greatest promise and the greatest need and we will guarantee low-interest loans to students continuing their college studies” (source 1). His quotes advocating for scholarships and low-interest loans demonstrate a commitment to nurturing talent throughout a student's academic journey. A well-educated population, Johnson believed, was the basis of a strong and just

Show More
Related
426 Words | 2 Pages

The presidencies of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson were marked by a turbulent era in American history, filled with challenges such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. However, their legacies were also defined by their domestic policies, which aimed to address economic and social inequalities, civil rights, healthcare, and education reform. Although Kennedy and Johnson shared similar goals, their strategies to achieve them were quite different. This essay has explored and analyzed the similarities and differences between the domestic policies of these two presidents, shedding light on their respective visions for a better America. Both Kennedy and Johnson pursued domestic policies to address economic and social inequalities.

Read More
614 Words | 3 Pages

President Johnson and President Reagan's visions of America were similar and different in many ways. President Johnson wants the Federal Government to be more involved solving problems of America compared to President Reagan, who wants less involvement of the Federal Government. Both Presidents want to make America as great as it can be, but they have their sights set on two different solutions. President Johnson wants to focus on making the quality of society better versus President Reagan, who wants to focus on economic fairness. These two Presidents are trying to accomplish the same goal to make America the best it can be, but it is being done with a Democratic and Republican point of view.

Read More
254 Words | 2 Pages

During the 1960’s when Lyndon B Johnson was president the Great Society was successful. One example to prove that the Great Society was successful is written in document C by Joseph A Califano Jr. and he states, “Great Society's food stamp program helps feed more than 20 million men,women, and children in more than 8 million households. Since it was launched in 1967, the school breakfast program has provided a daily breakfast to nearly 100 million schoolchildren.” This quote boldly illustrate how amazing the great society is by providing food for the poor. Another great example of how the great society was successful by Joseph A Califano Jr. states, “The Voting Rights Act of 1965. .

Read More
485 Words | 2 Pages

Lyndon B. Johnson, often referred to as LBJ, was the 36th President of the United States, serving from 1963 to 1969. He took office after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and during his presidency, he implemented a series of major legislative reforms known as the Great Society programs. Johnson was a complex and controversial figure, known for his ambitious domestic agenda, as well as his handling of the Vietnam War. In order to understand Lyndon B. Johnson's impact on American history, it is crucial to examine the historical context in which he assumed office.

Read More
169 Words | 1 Pages

The Great Society which was a set of domestic political programs in the US created by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 had many goals, but the two most important goals of the reforms were to eliminate poverty and racial injustice. During his speech at the University of Michigan in May 1965, president Johnson first revealed the program in details. At that time, the society was racially divided. Only whites could vote which showed the injustice to black and native americans. The rich people were getting richer with all the advantages and the poor people were left with nothing.

Read More
326 Words | 2 Pages

Great Society refers to Lyndon Johnson’s expansive reform program that sought to reduce taxes, ensure civil rights, give aid to public education, provide medical care for the elderly, and eliminate poverty (Nash 858). LBJ’s program was quite successful compared to the administration under Kennedy. Johnson, through many manipulative means, was able to get congress to support many of his reform policies that Kennedy was unable to. Johnson believed in the Keynesian theory that tax cuts would inevitably stimulate the economy due to people having more money to spend (Nash 858). He pressed for a tax cut and soon the tax bill was passed.

Read More
910 Words | 4 Pages

20.3- The Great Society • Johnson Takes Over o As popular as Kennedy had become to this point in his life before he died, Lyndon Baines Johnson was to become just as popular due to his motivation and drive that he exhibited in order to continue Kennedy’s legacy.  When he was young, FDR helped him progress within his political career, making him Johnson’s idol and motivated to mimic his leadership style. o This was a good decision on Johnson’s behalf as this allowed him to prove himself to both the people and Congress.

Read More
1088 Words | 5 Pages

Lyndon Baines Johnson proposes his plan with a hopeful tone through the diction of “inspire” and “we can” (Johnson) to make the American people have a better relationship with the government in order for them to “prevent an ugly America” (Johnson), and to emphasis that as American citizens if we come together, America can be a stronger country than ever before. In addition to Lyndon Baines Johnson’s optimistic and hopeful tone, he dwells on the problems of the cities, education, and the environment. This is thought provoking because President Lyndon Baines Johnson uses these problems to show the graduates and the American citizens that there needs to be change. American citizens can create this change by everyone coming together with the government to create a “Great Society” which will resolve these

Read More
1385 Words | 6 Pages

While the Great Society had some ideas that led the United States in the direction of development in the far future, it failed to assist those affected by poverty and other problems experienced at the time. The Oakland repairment is one example of how the Great Society provided despair and disillusionment to those living in poverty. Overall, James Murray viewed the civil rights movements and the poverty reconstruction as a failure due to Lyndon Johnson's idealistic attempts at recovery rather than realistic attempts. On the other hand, Lyndon Johnson's ideological thoughts blended ideological ideas with progressive and pragmatic principles, allowing effective leadership and commitment. One of Johnson’s greatest contributions throughout his presidency was his dedication to improving the nation's medical standpoint.

Read More
609 Words | 3 Pages

In 1964 Johnson had officially declared “war on poverty” (Lyndon). His speech was effective in getting better

Read More
1057 Words | 5 Pages

The idea of classroom causing problems for America’s society is elaborated when President Johnson explains that many children in America don’t have enough money to afford school. “There your children’s lives will be shaped. Our society will not be great until every young mind is set free to scan the farthest reaches of thought and imagination.” In order for a society to be great, education is the foundation; schools are where child learn about their world, and what it is they will do in the future to earn money to live a good life. And to better prove his idea Johnson states, “Each year more than 100,000 high school graduates, with proved ability, do not enter college because they cannot afford it,” then questions what will happen in years when time has become elapsed to conclude any efforts are needed to come into play for there to be a Great Society.

Read More
430 Words | 2 Pages

The act required the federal government to help, for the first time, local school districts whose students come from low-income families. “As a son of a tenant farmer, I know that education is the only valid passport from poverty,” said by Johnson, who taught at a Hispanic school in a poor town.

Read More
1797 Words | 8 Pages

In addition to the things he'd already done, he tasked state and local governments with creating work training programs for up to 200,000 women and men (History.com Staff, “Great Society”). Other initiatives the War on Poverty offered were a Community Action program for people to tackle poverty within their own communities, the ability for the government to recruit and train skilled American volunteers to serve poverty-stricken communities, loans and guarantees for employers who offered jobs to the unemployed, funds for farmers to purchase land and establish agricultural co-ops, and help for unemployed parents preparing to enter the workforce (History.com Staff, “Great Society”). Johnson’s effort in helping this shows today when you are able to look at all of the acts he created in order to help this fight on the War on

Read More
209 Words | 1 Pages

Great job Rebecca! Your discussion post was very informative to those who may not have much information on the topics of the New Deal, Great Society. The New Deal and the Great Society will have an everlasting positive impact on our nation. The New Deal was able to create millions of jobs for Americans.

Read More
1810 Words | 8 Pages

As Americans, we view the Constitution as a stepping stone to making the great country we live in today. Yet, we the people of the United States failed to realize another component in order to form a perfect union. Which is to establish and promote equal opportunities for a quality education for all. However, we live in a society where social locators such as class, gender, and race are huge factors in the determination of one’s educational future.

Read More

More about Taking A Look At Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society

Open Document