This lesson introduces Lyndon B. Johnson’s vision for the Great Society and the major programs his administration created to expand opportunity and address poverty.
After becoming president following John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Johnson pledged to carry forward Kennedy’s goals and expand the federal government’s role in protecting economic opportunity and civil rights. In May 1964, Johnson described his vision of a Great Society: a country in which people could share in the opportunities for a better life and the promise of “liberty and justice for all” would have practical meaning.
All flashcards
What was the Great Society?
Lyndon Johnson’s broad vision of expanding opportunity and making liberty and justice meaningful in people’s lives.
What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 establish to address employment discrimination?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
What did the Twenty-Fourth Amendment prohibit?
Poll taxes in federal elections.
What authority did the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution give President Johnson?
Authority to use military force in Vietnam without first obtaining a congressional declaration of war.
Why did the Tet Offensive affect U.S. opinion of the Vietnam War?
Its scale made claims that victory was near seem doubtful, weakening public confidence in the administration.
Quiz questions
Which protections were included in the Civil Rights Act of 1964?Answer: It barred discrimination in public accommodations and employment, among other protections.
What did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 do?Answer: It prohibited racial discrimination in voting rules and outlawed literacy tests and other barriers.
How did the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution change the U.S. role in Vietnam?Answer: It authorized Johnson to use military force without a declaration of war, expanding U.S. combat involvement.
What was a major political effect of the Tet Offensive in 1968?Answer: It undermined public confidence in claims that the United States was close to victory.
How did the Vietnam War hinder Johnson’s domestic agenda?Answer: Growing military spending left fewer resources available for Great Society programs.
Based on U.S. History by P. Scott Corbett, Volker Janssen, John M. Lund, Todd Pfannestiel, Sylvie Waskiewicz, Paul Vickery (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.