Sean+-+SSC+-+FA09

Social Change Movement://** //Lyndon Johnson had the goal of creating a ‘Great Society.’ Within that goal lie the social changes he wished to make. In order to achieve his goal of creating this society Johnson wished to aid in Civil Rights, Poverty, Education and Immigration. Obviously his goals were extremely wide spread but because of his influence as President of the United States huge strides were made in America regarding all of these areas of social life. In regards to both education and poverty the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was passed. The act created programs that aided low-income students and also helped to provide work in ghettos across America. Another way the poor in America were aided was the creation of Medicaid. With Medicaid came Medicare and both programs aided people in gaining healthcare, either elderly or poverty stricken people. On the issue of immigration the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was passed with the aid of Johnson. The law abolished the national origins quota system doubled the number of immigrants allowed into the country each year. Finally: Civil Rights. Probably the most important aspect of Johnson’s Presidency and the improvements probably the most proud of his life. Civil Rights Acts were passed in 1964 and 1968. They worked to stop discrimination in employment, hotels, restaurants and other public places. Above this the acts also worked to stop discrimination in home buying and selling. The Attorney General was also awarded the power to initiate discrimination suits. Overall nearly all Johnson set out to accomplish he succeeded in doing so.
 * // Lyndon B. Johnson

Johnson wanted all these social changes because he believed in the idea of a Great Society. The term was initially used in a speech of his given at the University of Michigan in 1964. His goal as president and the other offices he held throughout his career was this Great Society. An added push was the death of JFK. Johnson only took office because JFK was assassinated. When he took office he strove to uphold the policies of his predecessor. Although the main reasoning behind Johnson’s drive was most likely moral no doubt the pressure to continue JFK’s policies played a role.
 * Purpose and Drive:**

Throughout his career in politics Johnson held many offices of the Federal Government. Obviously the most notable would be President but Johnson was also Vice President, Representative and Senator. During his time as a Senator he served multiple years as United States Senate Majority Leader as well as Senate Majority Whip. In his earlier years Johns attended the Southwest Texas State Teachers’ College. He graduated and taught for several years before becoming a large figure in politics. His upbringing as a Christian probably has some influence in his actions as a political leader. Johnson was also a member of the armed forces which probably influenced his discipline. Overall Johnson was a pretty well educated man with a good background and because of this served in many important positions.
 * Occupation and Socio-Economic Background:**

Bobby Seale- Fellow Civil Rights activist. Cesar Chavez- Fellow Civil Rights activist. Martin Luther King Jr.- Fellow Civil Rights activist.
 * References:**

<[|http://america.eb.com/america/article?articleId=387303&query=**Great**+**Society**]> [Accessed December 22, 2009].
 * Sources:**//
 * Lyndon B. Johnson " The **Great** **Society**," //Annals of American History.//

"Lyndon B. Johnson." //The White House//. Web. 22 Dec 2009. .

William A. Degregorio,. //The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents//. 6th Edition. Fort Lee: Barricade Books Inc., 2005. Print.