During the 1960s, the U.S. government social programs underwent significant changes and expansions, particularly under President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society initiative. The Great Society aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice through various social welfare programs.
One of the most significant social programs introduced during this time was Medicare, a federal health insurance program for individuals over 65 years old. Medicaid was also established to provide healthcare assistance to low-income families.
The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 created the Office of Economic Opportunity, which oversaw several programs aimed at reducing poverty, including Head Start, a preschool program for low-income families, and Job Corps, which provided job training and education to disadvantaged youth.
Additionally, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were passed to combat racial discrimination and ensure equal rights for all Americans.
However, these social programs faced criticism from some who believed they were too expensive and would lead to increased government control over citizens' lives. Some argued that these programs would create a culture of dependency on government aid.