jan 1, 1964 - TOPIC 8.9: The Great Society

Description:

Cause:

After World War II, America became richer, but poverty still existed, especially in cities.
“White flight” happened—many white people moved to the suburbs.
This left behind poor urban areas, mostly with minorities.
These areas had bad schools, few jobs, slums, and segregation.
Urban riots like in Watts and Detroit showed these serious problems.
Automation took away many manufacturing jobs.
A recession in the 1970s made everything worse.
People wanted the government to fix poverty, racism, and social problems.

Effect:
President Lyndon B. Johnson started the Great Society in the mid
His goal was to end racial discrimination, eliminate poverty, and help society.

Programs and Laws of the Great Society:

Civil Rights Laws:
Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, 24th Amendment (banned poll taxes)
War on Poverty Programs:

Economic Opportunity Act: created Head Start, Job Corps, VISTA
Raised the minimum wage

Healthcare:
Medicare (helped old people)
Medicaid (helped poor people)

Education Help:
Elementary and Secondary Education Act: gave money to poor schools

Higher Education Act: gave college grants and loans

Housing and Cities:
Omnibus Housing Act, Urban Mass Transit Act, and creation of HUD
Tried to fix poor city areas and build housing

Support for Art and Learning:
National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities: helped creative work and scholarships

Immigration:
Immigration Act of 1965: ended old racist laws and allowed more people from Asia, Latin America, and other countries

Rural Areas:
Appalachian Regional and Development Act: gave money to poor rural areas for public works

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