Historical Figure
Lyndon B. Johnson
1908–1973
President of the United States from 1963 to 1969
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Biography
Lyndon Baines Johnson, also known as LBJ, was the 36th president of the United States, serving from 1963 to 1969. He became president after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, under whom he had served as the 37th vice president from 1961 to 1963. A Southern Democrat, Johnson previously represented Texas in Congress for over 23 years, first as a U.S. representative from 1937 to 1949, and then as a U.S. senator from 1949 to 1961.
In Their Own Words (5)
Poverty must not be a bar to learning, and learning must offer an escape from poverty.
The Great Society (May 22, 1964). Archived from the original on January 10, 2021. , 1964
Of those to whom much is given, much is asked. I cannot say and no man could say that no more will be asked of us.
An allusion to the Parable of the Faithful Servant , 1968
The purpose of protecting the life of our Nation and preserving the liberty of our citizens is to pursue the happiness of our people. Our success in that pursuit is the test of our success as a Nation.
The Great Society (May 22, 1964). Archived from the original on January 10, 2021. , 1964
Our government is united in its determination to take all necessary measures in support of freedom and in defense of peace in Southeast Asia.
Report on the Gulf of Tonkin Incident (4 August 1964) , 1964
This is a sad time for all people. We have suffered a loss that cannot be weighed. For me, it is a deep, personal tragedy. I know the world shares the sorrow that Mrs. Kennedy and her family bear. I will do my best; that is all I can do. I ask for your help and God's.
First official statement as President after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, televised live from Andrews Air Force Base (22 November 1963) , 1963
Timeline
The story of Lyndon B. Johnson, told in moments.
Wins a U.S. Senate seat in Texas by 87 votes. His opponent contests the result. The nickname 'Landslide Lyndon' sticks. Ballot box 13 in Jim Wells County reports 202 last-minute votes, 201 for Johnson, in suspiciously identical handwriting.
Sworn in as president aboard Air Force One at Love Field in Dallas. Jackie Kennedy stands beside him, still wearing the blood-stained pink suit. The photograph of the oath becomes one of the most reproduced images in American history.
Signs the Civil Rights Act. He tells an aide: 'We have lost the South for a generation.' The law outlaws discrimination in public places, employment, and federally funded programs. He uses every political skill he has to get it through Congress.
Launches the Great Society. Medicare. Medicaid. Head Start. The Voting Rights Act. Federal aid to education. PBS. He passes more domestic legislation than any president since FDR. He also sends 184,000 troops to Vietnam.
Announces on live television that he won't seek reelection. 'I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President.' Vietnam has consumed his presidency. His approval rating is 36%.
Dies of a heart attack on his ranch in Stonewall, Texas, at 64. He'd had his first heart attack at 46. He smoked, drank, and worked 18-hour days. The Vietnam ceasefire is signed the next day.
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