Lyndon
B. Johnson's 'Great Society'
It was Johnson's dream to eradicate poverty and discrimination from the United
States. However, despite the initial success of the 'Great Society', it soon
became paralysed by the problems caused by the war in Vietnam.
“This
is a sad time for all people. We have suffered a loss that cannot be weighed.
For me, it is a deep, personal tragedy. I know that the world shares the
sorrow that Mrs. Kennedy and her family bear. I will do my best. That is all I
can do. I ask for your help — and God’s.” Johnson's first speech as
President, hours after the death of John Kennedy.
After John F. Kennedy's assassination in Dallas 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson became
president. After being hastily sworn in aboard Air Force One, the new
president vowed to continue with Kennedy's policies.
Between 1964 and 1966 there were some major successes:
 | The 1964 Civil Rights Act. |
| The 1965 Medical Care Act - for the elderly and those dependent on welfare. |
| The 1965 Voting Rights Act - ended literacy and property tests before voting. |
| The 1966 Model Cities Act - funded slum clearance. |
| The 1966 Minimum Wage Act - raised the minimum wage from $1.25 to $1.40 |
What
were the successes of the Great Society?
Johnson
signs the Medical Care Act 1965