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# The Great Society and its Impact The Great Society, a program initiated by President Johnson, led to several changes, both positive and negative, in the United States. ## Increased African-American Voting and Desegregation of Schools * The program led to increased African-American voting oppo...

# The Great Society and its Impact The Great Society, a program initiated by President Johnson, led to several changes, both positive and negative, in the United States. ## Increased African-American Voting and Desegregation of Schools * The program led to increased African-American voting opportunities and desegregation of schools. * However, there was also a decrease in employment opportunities for African Americans. ## Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) * The EOA, enacted in 1964, aimed to combat poverty. * By February 1965, 44 states had implemented anti-poverty programs. * This program provided work training and support to 35,000 college students and adults. * It also distributed $2.5 billion for these programs. ## Medicare and Medicaid (1965) * Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965. * Johnson touted the program as a "healthcare revolution". * However, the costs were more than anticipated, increasing from $1.5 billion in 1965 to $2.6 billion in 1966. ## Educational Reform * The education system faced numerous challenges in 1964, including: * A high percentage (54 million) of Americans never completed high school. * Crowded schools * Shortage of teachers * Poor facilities * High dropout rates * President Johnson highlighted these issues and advocated for improvements, focusing on youth involvement in education. ## Summary The Great Society, while intended to address poverty and inequality in the US, had some unintended consequences, including increased costs and ongoing issues regarding the needs of impoverished Americans.