What was the primary purpose of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society?

Prepare for the GACE History Test with multiple choice questions, flashcards, and study tips. Each question offers hints and explanations. Achieve success in your exam!

Lyndon Johnson's Great Society was fundamentally aimed at addressing and resolving poverty and racial injustice in America. Launched in the 1960s, this ambitious series of domestic policy initiatives sought to create a more equitable society by implementing programs that focused on education, healthcare, and civil rights.

The cornerstone of the Great Society was its War on Poverty, which included initiatives like Medicare and Medicaid, aimed at providing healthcare for the elderly and low-income individuals. Additionally, legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 sought to dismantle systemic racial discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all Americans.

The focus on poverty alleviation and racial equality stemmed from recognizing the social and economic disparities that persisted in the country. Johnson viewed these issues as integral to the country's moral fabric and believed that by addressing them, the nation could achieve a more just and prosperous society.

While initiatives related to economic growth and national security were part of Johnson's overall presidency, they were secondary in intent compared to the transformative social objectives that the Great Society sought to achieve.

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