Unit 3 Essay: Domestic Policy

Unit Essay: The Great Society

In order to get credit for this project you must write an essay on the following topic:

The Great Society

The period from 1945-1990 marked a time of great change in American society and represents an era of much landmark domestic policy legislation. As WWII came to a close, the economic and social policies of the decades that followed demonstrated that the New Deal was here to stay: from the administrations of Harry Truman to Ronald Reagan, each successive president launched ambitious plans to guide the American economy, minimize social inequity, or decrease discrimination throughout American society. Different presidents focused on different programs and none ever achieved all their goals, but the common theme throughout this era was that the government played an increasing role in championing economic and social equality. Using the knowledge that you have gained from your lessons and the major legislation passed in this era, write an essay of 600 words or more that describes American domestic policy from 1944-1960, 1961-1975, and 1976-1990. 

In order to write this essay, consider the different presidencies during this era and the major legislation of each of the three time periods listed above. Also remember to consider how the different presidents and legislators addressed issues of economic and social equality. Use your key terms and familiarize yourself with each administration from the time:

Truman's "Fair Deal"

Presidency of Dwight Eisenhower

Kennedy's "New Frontier"

Johnson's "Great Society"

Presidency of Richard Nixon

Presidency of Gerald Ford

Presidency of Jimmy Carter

Presidency of Ronald Reagan

The three groupings you see above reflect the three eras your essay needs to address.