What was the primary goal of the Great Society program?

Study for the Texas AandM University HIST106 Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with detailed explanations to understand U.S. history better. Enhance your exam readiness!

The primary goal of the Great Society program was to alleviate poverty and provide healthcare. Initiated by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s, the Great Society encompassed a set of domestic programs aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice. Johnson envisioned a society where everyone would have access to basic needs, which included not only economic opportunities but also healthcare.

This initiative led to the establishment of significant programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, designed to provide healthcare for the elderly and low-income individuals, respectively. Additionally, initiatives under the Great Society addressed education, housing, and civil rights, affirming its comprehensive approach to improving the quality of life for Americans, especially for those in disadvantaged situations.

The other options focus on different aspects that were not central to the Great Society's mission. Strengthening military forces in Vietnam related to foreign policy issues rather than domestic welfare. Improving public transportation and expanding American influence in Latin America, while potentially important in other contexts, were not the defining aims of the Great Society program. The emphasis was distinctly on improving the social fabric of the nation and ensuring that economic prosperity reached all citizens, thereby tackling issues of poverty and health care directly.

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