Personality and Great Society

LBJ’s Background & Style

A Texan of humble origins who used the "Johnson Treatment"—a mix of physical intimidation and forensic attention to detail—to move 60 pieces of legislation through Congress.

The 1964 Election

LBJ won the largest popular vote majority in history (against Barry Goldwater), fueled by his "War on Poverty" and the legacy of JFK’s assassination.

The Great Society: Education

The 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act funded 6.7 million poor children and provided 700,000 free school lunches.

The Great Society: Healthcare

The 1965 Medicare Act provided federally funded healthcare for the elderly, fulfilling a long-term Democratic goal.

The Great Society: Poverty Results

By 1970, the number of families living in poverty dropped from 40 million to 25 million. The 1968 Housing Act spent $1.7 million on quality low-income homes.

Great Society Weaknesses

The Vietnam War drained funds ($120B for war vs. $15B for poverty). Critics argued single mothers and the disabled were often left out of "opportunity" based reforms.

Economic Performance (LBJ)

GDP grew by $9 billion with an average growth of 4.1% per year. However, inflation rose to 4.7%, planting the seeds for Nixon’s economic struggles