To what extent was LBJ similar to FDR? Provide specific evidence from FDR's New Deal and LBJ's Great society to back up your answer.
Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) and Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) were similar in their belief in the government's ability to address social and economic issues through large-scale programs. Both presidents implemented major initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Americans during times of crisis.
One key similarity between FDR's New Deal and LBJ's Great Society was their focus on expanding government involvement in the economy and social welfare. FDR's New Deal aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression through programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps, Social Security, and the Works Progress Administration. These programs sought to alleviate poverty, stimulate the economy, and regulate business practices.
Similarly, LBJ's Great Society sought to address poverty and inequality through a series of ambitious programs, including the War on Poverty, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These initiatives aimed to expand access to healthcare, reduce poverty, and promote civil rights for marginalized groups.
Both presidents also faced opposition from conservative critics who argued that their programs were too costly and expanded government power too much. FDR's New Deal faced challenges from conservative Republicans and business leaders who viewed his policies as socialist and damaging to free-market principles. Likewise, LBJ's Great Society faced criticism from conservatives who believed that his programs were too expensive and unsustainable in the long term.
In conclusion, both LBJ and FDR were similar in their belief in the government's role in addressing social and economic issues through large-scale programs. Their respective initiatives, the New Deal and the Great Society, aimed to improve the lives of Americans during times of crisis and expand government involvement in the economy and social welfare.