Date & Event: May 22, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson delivered a commencement speech at the University of Michigan.
Significance: This speech marked the formal launch of the Great Society, a comprehensive set of social programs in the U.S.
Comparison: Aimed to surpass Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal in both range and ambition.
Legislative Achievement
89th Congress:
Timeframe: January 1965 to January 1967.
Productivity: Considered one of the most productive legislative sessions in American history.
Outcome: Nearly 200 new laws were enacted.
Key Achievements of the Great Society
Civil Rights Protections: Laws to protect civil rights.
Healthcare: Introduction of Medicare and Medicaid.
Food Security: Establishment of food stamps.
Urban Development: Urban renewal initiatives.
Education:
Federal investment in elementary and high school education.
Introduction of Head Start and college aid programs.
Immigration Policy: Ended the whites-only immigration policy.
Consumer Safety and Environmental Regulations: New regulations for consumer safety and the environment.
Community Action: Funding was provided to support community action groups.
War on Poverty: An all-encompassing effort to reduce poverty.
Conclusion
Impact: The Great Society enacted significant reforms that touched many aspects of American life including civil rights, healthcare, education, immigration, and poverty alleviation.
Evaluation: While it had many successes, not all initiatives met their goals, leading to discussions on its overall impact and effectiveness.