Central to the ideological shift experienced in the U.S. during the Great Society movements were the concepts of social justice and welfare. Initiated by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s, this agenda aimed to eradicate poverty and racial injustice while expanding access to education and healthcare. The emphasis on direct government intervention represented a departure from previous laissez-faire approaches, leading to the establishment of programs like Medicare and Head Start. These reforms not only sought to uplift marginalized communities but also shaped the political discourse around the government's role in promoting equality and improving citizens' well-being.