Asked by Jerelyn Seguin on Apr 29, 2024

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Lyndon Johnson said that economic freedom meant more than equal opportunity. Explain what he meant by that statement and how his Great Society program attempted to redefine the relationship between freedom and equality.

Economic Freedom

The fundamental right of individuals to control their own labor and property, and to participate in markets freely.

Great Society

A set of domestic programs launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson with the goal of eliminating poverty and racial injustice in the United States during the 1960s.

  • Analyze the connection between financial independence and equal opportunities as revamped in the context of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society.
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Sujen AdhikariMay 01, 2024
Final Answer :
Lyndon Johnson's statement about economic freedom meaning more than equal opportunity reflects his belief that true freedom includes the ability to access economic resources and opportunities. In other words, he believed that without economic security and the ability to participate fully in the economy, equal opportunity alone was not enough to ensure true freedom for all individuals. Johnson's Great Society program aimed to redefine the relationship between freedom and equality by addressing social and economic inequalities through government intervention and social welfare programs. The program sought to expand access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all Americans, particularly those who had been historically marginalized or disadvantaged. By doing so, Johnson aimed to create a more equitable society where all individuals had the opportunity to thrive and pursue their own version of the American dream. This redefinition of the relationship between freedom and equality was a central tenet of Johnson's vision for a more just and inclusive society.