Great Society facts for kids

The Great Society was a big plan of programs started in the United States. It was put forward by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The main goals of the Great Society were to stop poverty and end racial discrimination.

Many new programs were created during this time. They focused on important areas like education, medical care, problems in cities, and transportation. The Great Society was similar to the New Deal plan by Franklin D. Roosevelt. However, it had different types of programs.

Unlike the New Deal, the Great Society focused more on helping people directly. It was less about fixing the economy. Programs like Medicaid and Medicare were started to help Americans who needed medical care. President Johnson's Great Society was the biggest increase in government spending programs since the Great Depression. Many programs we have today started because of the Great Society.

What Was the Great Society?

The Great Society was a series of plans and laws. President Lyndon B. Johnson wanted to build a better America. He believed everyone should have a fair chance. These programs aimed to improve life for all Americans.

Goals of the Great Society

President Johnson had two main goals for the Great Society. He wanted to get rid of poverty in the country. He also wanted to end racial discrimination. This meant making sure all people were treated equally.

Fighting Poverty

One big part of the Great Society was fighting poverty. Many Americans did not have enough money. They struggled to get good housing or food. Programs were created to help families in need. These programs offered support and opportunities.

Ending Discrimination

Another key goal was to end racial discrimination. This was a time when many people faced unfair treatment. Laws were passed to protect civil rights. These laws made it illegal to treat people differently because of their race.

Key Programs and Changes

The Great Society brought many important changes. New laws helped people get better education and healthcare. It also focused on improving cities and transportation.

Healthcare for All

Two very important programs were created for healthcare. These were Medicaid and Medicare.

• Medicare helps older Americans with their medical bills. It provides health insurance for people aged 65 and over.
• Medicaid helps people with low incomes. It gives them access to medical care. These programs still help millions of Americans today.

Improving Education

Education was a major focus of the Great Society. New laws aimed to help schools. They also helped students from poorer families. The goal was to give every child a chance to learn. This included funding for school libraries and special education.

Urban and Transportation Help

The Great Society also looked at problems in cities. Many cities faced issues like poor housing. Programs were started to improve living conditions. There were also plans to make transportation better. This included funding for highways and public transport.

Legacy of the Great Society

The Great Society had a lasting impact on the United States. Many of its programs are still active today. It greatly expanded the role of the government. It showed that the government could help solve big problems.

Lasting Impact

The programs from the Great Society changed American society. They helped millions of people. They improved access to healthcare and education. They also pushed for greater equality. The ideas behind the Great Society continue to be discussed today.

Images for kids

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  Pens used by President Lyndon B. Johnson to sign Great Society legislation

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  President Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act of 1965

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  The August 1964 signing of the Poverty Bill