Final answer:
The Great Society programs often failed to meet Johnson's expectations due to the diversion of funds and attention to the Vietnam War, flawed implementation of programs, and criticism over government dependency. While there were reductions in poverty and expansions in healthcare and education, these were overshadowed by criticisms and the Vietnam conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many of President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society programs failed to meet his expectations or achieve long-term success for several reasons. Notably, the escalating costs and focus on the Vietnam War diverted resources and attention from domestic initiatives. Additionally, the implementation of programs like community action agencies was flawed, with many being gradually defunded.
Critics of the Great Society argued that the expansion of federal government programs encouraged dependency and failed to address the underlying issues of poverty. Despite this, the Great Society had meaningful impacts; it reduced the poverty rate significantly and expanded access to education and healthcare through the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. However, these successes were overshadowed by the deepening conflict in Vietnam and the growing perception that government efforts were inadequate to eliminate poverty or significantly advance civil rights.