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Lyndon B. Johnson – One of America’s Most Influential Politicians
Net worth: $98 million (source: Forbes, 2021)
Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_B._Johnson
Personal website & Twitter: Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library (https://www.lbjlibrary.org/); @LBJLibrary on Twitter
Biography:
– Childhood: Born on August 27, 1908, in Stonewall, Texas, to Sam and Rebekah Johnson. Grew up in a small farmhouse in the Texas Hill Country, where he learned the values of hard work, determination, and public service.
– Middle age: Graduated from Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University) in 1930, and worked as a teacher and principal before entering politics. First elected to Congress in 1937, representing the 10th Congressional district of Texas.
– Working age: Served as Senate Majority Leader from 1955 to 1961, and Vice President of the United States from 1961 to 1963, under President John F. Kennedy. Became President on November 22, 1963, after Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
– Current: Died on January 22, 1973, at his ranch in Stonewall, Texas.
Family:
– Wife: Lady Bird Johnson (married in 1934)
– Children: Lynda Bird Johnson Robb and Luci Baines Johnson
Business:
– Before entering politics, Johnson worked as a teacher, principal, and newspaper publisher.
– After leaving the presidency, he started the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum in Austin, Texas, which opened in 1971.
Education:
– Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University)
– Georgetown University Law Center
Successful work:
– 1937: Elected to Congress, beginning a long and influential career in politics.
– 1955-1961: Served as Senate Majority Leader, helping pass major legislation including the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and the National Defense Education Act.
– 1961-1963: Served as Vice President of the United States under President John F. Kennedy.
– 1963-1969: Served as President of the United States, overseeing the passage of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
– 1964: Declared a “War on Poverty”, launching a series of initiatives aimed at reducing poverty in America.
– 1965: Signed the Medicare and Medicaid programs into law, providing health insurance to millions of Americans.
– 1965: Established the Department of Housing and Urban Development, aimed at addressing issues of urban blight and poverty.
– 1966: Signed the Fair Housing Act into law, prohibiting discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, or national origin.
– 1967: Launched the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities, aimed at promoting arts and culture in America.
– 1968: Signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968 into law, prohibiting discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin.
– 1968: Established the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, aimed at protecting America’s natural beauty and resources.
– 1968: Signed the Gun Control Act into law, regulating the sale and ownership of firearms in America.
– 1968: Signed the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act into law, providing funding for law enforcement and crime prevention initiatives.
Famous bad news:
– 1964: Gulf of Tonkin incident leads to increased US involvement in the Vietnam War.
– 1965: Race riots erupt in Watts, Los Angeles, prompting Johnson to send federal troops to restore order.
– 1967: Increasing opposition to the Vietnam War, with protests and demonstrations across the country.
– 1968: Assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, marking a turbulent year in American politics.
– 1968: Riots at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, as protesters clash with police and National Guard troops.
FAQs:
1. What political party did Lyndon B. Johnson belong to?
Answer: He was a member of the Democratic Party.
2. What were some of Johnson’s major accomplishments as President?
Answer: He oversaw the passage of landmark civil rights legislation, launched a “War on Poverty” initiative, established Medicare and Medicaid, and created the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities, among other achievements.
3. What was Johnson’s role in the Vietnam War?
Answer: Johnson escalated US involvement in the war, sending more troops and resources to Vietnam. Many Americans criticized his handling of the conflict, which became increasingly unpopular over time.
4. Did Johnson face any major scandals or controversies during his political career?
Answer: Yes, there were several scandals and controversies associated with his administration, including allegations of corruption, wiretapping, and unauthorized surveillance.
5. What was Johnson’s legacy as President?
Answer: Johnson is widely remembered for his contributions to civil rights, healthcare, and social welfare programs. However, his presidency also saw increasing polarization and unrest in American society, particularly with regard to the Vietnam War.
Summary:
Lyndon B. Johnson was a complex and influential politician who left a lasting impact on America. He was instrumental in passing major civil rights and social welfare legislation, but also faced criticism for his handling of the Vietnam War and numerous scandals during his administration. Overall, his legacy as President is still widely debated and hotly contested, making him a controversial figure in American history. Rating: 7/10.
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