Directions:
Read the Great Society Speech from Lyndon B. Johnson, 1964
After making your predictions, READ the PRO side, “What Was Really Great About The Great Society,” and complete the first row in the table below.
Source: Who wrote this? What is his perspective? What do you predict the author will say after reading Johnson’s speech? What’s the author’s main argument? What are THREE pieces of evidence the author uses to support his claims?
PRO Great Society/ War on Poverty
Source: The author of the PRO side is likely a historian or political scientist who has studied Johnson's Great Society programs and their impact on society. They most likely have a positive perspective on the Great Society.
Predicted Argument: The author will argue that the Great Society programs, including the War on Poverty, were successful in addressing social and economic inequalities in the United States during the 1960s.
Main Argument: The Great Society programs, initiated by President Johnson, were effective in reducing poverty and improving the lives of many Americans, particularly through programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and increased federal funding for education.
Evidence:
1. Increased Access to Healthcare: The author may argue that programs like Medicare and Medicaid provided healthcare coverage to millions of Americans who were previously uninsured, improving their overall well-being.
2. Education and Job Training Opportunities: The author may point to increased federal funding for education and job training programs as successful in helping individuals acquire skills and access better job opportunities.
3. Economic Prosperity: The author may argue that the Great Society programs contributed to overall economic growth and prosperity in the United States during the 1960s, lifting many Americans out of poverty and creating a more equitable society.