The Great Society
Joseph Brown
6 min read
Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers the 1960s in AP US History, focusing on the assassination of JFK (including Lee Harvey Oswald, Jack Ruby, and the Warren Commission), LBJ's presidency (including his "Johnson treatment"), the War on Poverty (and the Office of Economic Opportunity with programs like Head Start and Job Corps), and the Great Society (including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act). It also provides practice questions and exam tips covering these key topics.
#AP US History: 1960s - A Night Before Review 🚀
Hey there! Let's get you prepped and confident for your AP US History exam. We're focusing on the 1960s, a pivotal decade. Let's dive in!
# The Assassination of JFK 💔
- Date: November 22, 1963
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Assassin: Lee Harvey Oswald
- Key Events:
- JFK's assassination during a motorcade.
- Televised killing of Oswald by Jack Ruby.
- Jackie Kennedy's composure at the state funeral.
- Warren Commission report concluding Oswald acted alone.
The Warren Commission's findings were controversial, leading to numerous conspiracy theories. Remember that the commission concluded that Oswald acted alone.
# LBJ Takes the Reins 💪
- Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ):
- Became president after JFK's assassination.
- Known for his "Johnson treatment"—a legendary ability to use personal persuasion and get into the personal space of the person he pressured in order to reach his goals.
- Had extensive experience in Congress (legislative aide, congressman, senator).
- Lacked JFK's charm but was incredibly effective in Congress.
LBJ's famous quote: “Son, they are all my helicopters.”
# The War on Poverty 🍽️
- Background:
- Inspired by The Other America, a book highlighting the 40 million Americans living in poverty.
- LBJ's Response:
- Declared an "unconditional war on poverty" in 1964. * Created the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) with a billion-dollar budget.
- OEO Programs:
- Head Start: Preschool education.
- Job Corps: Vocational training.
- Literacy programs and legal services.
Think of the OEO as a "helping hand" organization, giving people the tools to l...
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