The ‘Great Society’

Kennedy's New Frontier

President Kennedy's initiative to combat poverty through reforms like increasing the minimum wage and expanding social security benefits.

Johnson's Great Society

President Johnson's continuation of Kennedy's efforts to eradicate poverty, declaring a 'war on poverty' and introducing the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act.

Poverty Reduction

Efforts that led to a decrease in the poverty rate from 19% in 1964 to 11% by 1973, including the Economic Opportunity Act and Education Acts providing funding for schools and student loans.

Healthcare Reforms

Reforms such as the Social Security Act of 1965 introducing Medicare and Medicaid, which provided basic healthcare for the elderly and impoverished.

Challenges and Limitations

Issues like lack of oversight in school funding, expensive programs competing with the Vietnam War for funding, and the inability to completely eliminate poverty leading to frustration and inner-city riots.