Lyndon B. Johnson
Biography of Lyndon B. Johnson
Full Name and Common Aliases
Lyndon Baines Johnson, often referred to by his initials LBJ, was a prominent American political figure whose influence and leadership left a lasting imprint on the United States.
Birth and Death Dates
Lyndon B. Johnson was born on August 27, 1908, and passed away on January 22, 1973.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Lyndon B. Johnson was an American by nationality. He served as a politician, most notably as the 36th President of the United States. His career also included roles as a U.S. Representative, a U.S. Senator, and the Vice President under John F. Kennedy.
Early Life and Background
Lyndon B. Johnson was born in Stonewall, Texas, into a modest family. His father, Samuel Ealy Johnson Jr., was a farmer and a politician, while his mother, Rebekah Baines Johnson, was a teacher. Growing up in the Texas Hill Country, Johnson experienced the challenges of rural life, which shaped his understanding of poverty and education. He attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University), where he earned a teaching certificate. His early career as a teacher in a small, impoverished Mexican-American school in Cotulla, Texas, deeply influenced his views on education and civil rights.
Major Accomplishments
Lyndon B. Johnson's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1937. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a U.S. Senator in 1949. As Senate Majority Leader, Johnson was known for his ability to negotiate and pass significant legislation. His most notable accomplishment came after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, when Johnson assumed the presidency. He was elected to a full term in 1964, winning by a landslide.
Notable Works or Actions
Johnson's presidency is marked by his ambitious domestic agenda known as the "Great Society," which aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice. Key legislative achievements under this program included the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to overcome legal barriers preventing African Americans from exercising their right to vote. Johnson also championed Medicare and Medicaid, providing health insurance to the elderly and low-income individuals, respectively.
However, his presidency was also overshadowed by the Vietnam War. Johnson escalated U.S. involvement, which led to widespread protest and controversy. Despite his domestic successes, the war significantly affected his popularity and legacy.
Impact and Legacy
Lyndon B. Johnson's impact on American society is profound. His legislative achievements in civil rights and social welfare transformed the nation, laying the groundwork for future advancements in equality and healthcare. The "Great Society" programs expanded the role of the federal government in addressing social issues, setting a precedent for future administrations.
Despite his domestic successes, Johnson's legacy is complicated by the Vietnam War. The conflict divided the nation and led to significant loss of life, casting a long shadow over his presidency. Nevertheless, his commitment to civil rights and social justice remains a significant part of his legacy.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Lyndon B. Johnson is widely quoted and remembered for his bold vision and legislative prowess. His speeches and public statements often reflected his deep commitment to civil rights and social justice. Quotes such as "We have talked long enough in this country about equal rights. We have talked for one hundred years or more. It is time now to write the next chapter—and to write it in the books of law," capture his determination to create a more equitable society.
Johnson's ability to navigate the complexities of politics and his willingness to take on challenging issues make him a compelling figure in American history. His words continue to resonate, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of leadership. Despite the controversies of his presidency, Lyndon B. Johnson's contributions to civil rights and social welfare ensure that he remains a significant and quotable figure in the annals of American history.
Quotes by Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson's insights on:
What's necessary to keep one's wife happy. First, let her think she is having her own way. Second, let her have it.
This, then, is the state of the union: free and restless, growing and full of hope. So it was in the beginning. So it shall always be, while God is willing, and we are strong enough to keep the faith.
Hug your friends tight, but your enemies tighter - hug 'em so tight they can't wiggle
The hungry world cannot be fed until and unless the growth of its resources and the growth of its population come into balance. Each man and woman, and each nation must make decisions of conscience and policy in the face of this great problem.
We must not only protect the countryside and save it from destruction, we must restore what has been destroyed and salvage the beauty and charm of our cities.
If one morning I walked on top of the water across the Potomac River, the headline that afternoon would read: ‘President Can’t Swim.
Already a congressman, to a mentor “I hope sometime you run across something you think I can do well 24 hours per day.
Of course, I may go into a strange bedroom every now and then that I don’t want you to write about, but otherwise you can write everything.
When things haven’t gone well for you, call in a secretary or a staff man and chew him out. You will sleep better and they will appreciate the attention.