Lyndon B. Johnson

US-O5 insignia

Lyndon B. Johnson - 15-13-2 - ca. 1915

FDR-LBJ

Portrait of Lyndon B. Johnson in Navy Uniform - 42-3-7 - 03-1942

Senator Lyndon Johnson

Lyndon Baines Johnson (August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973), often referred to by his initials LBJ, was an American politician who served as the 36th President of the United States from 1963 to 1969. He assumed the presidency following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Before serving as president, Johnson was the 37th Vice President of the United States from 1961 to 1963, and a member of the United States Senate representing Texas from 1949 to 1961. Born in Stonewall, Texas, Johnson was a teacher before entering politics.

Early Life and Education

Johnson was born in a small farmhouse in Stonewall, Texas, to Samuel Ealy Johnson Jr. and Rebekah Baines. He attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University), where he earned a bachelor's degree in history and worked as a teacher in Cotulla, Texas, teaching Mexican-American children.

Political Career

Johnson's political career began in 1937 when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat from Texas. He served in the House until 1949, when he was elected to the U.S. Senate. Johnson quickly rose to prominence in the Senate, becoming the youngest Majority Leader in its history in 1955.

In 1960, Johnson was selected by John F. Kennedy to be his running mate, and they won the presidential election that year. As Vice President, Johnson was tasked with presiding over the Senate and leading the Space Race against the Soviet Union.

Following Kennedy's assassination, Johnson was sworn in as President aboard Air Force One. His presidency was marked by significant domestic policies, including the "Great Society" programs aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice. Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Vietnam War

Johnson's presidency was also marked by the escalation of the Vietnam War. Despite his domestic achievements, the war became increasingly unpopular at home, leading to widespread protests and unrest. Johnson's handling of the war significantly affected his presidency and his legacy.

Later Life and Legacy

Johnson did not seek re-election in 1968, retiring to his ranch in Texas. His later years were spent working on the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum and supporting education through the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.

Johnson's presidency is remembered for its ambitious domestic agenda and the controversy surrounding the Vietnam War. He died of a heart attack on January 22, 1973, at his ranch.

See Also

• Presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson
• Great Society
• Civil Rights Movement

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