Johnson’s Great Society

Question

Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
What was/were the cause(s) of this event?
What was/were the effect(s) of this event?
Where did the event take place? What region(s) of the United did the event take place in?
When did the event take place?
Why is this event important to the United States’ history?
Works Cited: Where did you get your information from?

Answer 1

1. Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
President Lyndon B. Johnson and his administration were responsible for creating and implementing the Great Society programs. The American people, specifically low-income individuals, African Americans, and senior citizens, were the primary beneficiaries of these programs.

2. What was/were the cause(s) of this event?
The Great Society was launched in response to the social and economic challenges facing the United States during the 1960s, including poverty, racial discrimination, and inequality. Johnson envisioned a "War on Poverty," which included a series of programs aimed at reducing poverty and addressing social issues.

3. What was/were the effect(s) of this event?
The Great Society had a significant impact on American society. It led to the creation of programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, the Head Start education initiative, and various civil rights advancements. Poverty rates declined, and many people from low-income communities gained access to education, healthcare, and job training. However, the costs of these initiatives combined with the Vietnam War contributed to a rise in inflation and government spending that led to economic struggles in the 1970s and beyond.

4. Where did the event take place? What region(s) of the United did the event take place in?
The Great Society was a federal program implemented across the United States, although certain regions, such as the South, were particularly affected by the civil rights advancements and anti-poverty efforts.

5. When did the event take place?
The Great Society was initiated in 1964 and spanned through Johnson's presidency until 1969.

6. Why is this event important to the United States’ history?
The Great Society was a significant moment in U.S. history as it represented one of the most comprehensive efforts to combat poverty and promote civil rights in the country's history. Its legacy continues to be felt by generations of Americans, particularly those who benefited from its programs.

Works Cited:
- "The Great Society," History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, https://www.history.com/topics/1960s/great-society.
- "The Great Society," Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library, The University of Texas at Austin, https://www.lbjlibrary.org/lyndon-baines-johnson/lbj-era/the-great-society.