The success of the United States of America is anchored on the efforts of the legends and their success. Lyndon Baines Johnson is among the legends in the history of the US. He served as the 36 th president of the US during the period of (1963 to 1969). He is well known for being a moderate democrat and a vigorous leader in the United States as he served as the president and vice president. In his time of administration the law of Civil Rights Acts was signed in 1964 which is considered to be the most comprehensive civil rights since the reconstruction era. Other legacies include the introduction of the social service programs and further facilitated the expansion of the involvement of the American nation in the Vietnam War.
Lyndon B. Johnson is also known as LBJ was born on August 27 th 1908 in Gillespie County in Texas and died on January 22 nd 1973. He was born in a family of five being the first born. Johnson’s dad Sam Ealy Johnson was a businessman and also a member of the Texas House of Representatives. On the other hand his mother Rebekah Baines was a daughter of the legislator Joseph Baines which partially explains the roots of Johnson’s political involvement. Upon graduation from high school in the year 1924 Johnson enrolled for different odd jobs before joining college (Southwest Texas State Teachers College) as the family was struggling financially. During college time he took a job on teaching in a Mexican American School where the extreme levels of poverty made significant impression to him and influenced some of his later political stance.
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Upon graduation from college Johnson was accorded significant praise for being an exemplary especially in debates and public speaking at Sam Houston High School in Houston. It is during the same year that Johnson participated in the congressional campaigns of Richard Kleberg. The success of Kleberg election was the key light to Johnson’s grasp to the congressional politics. In 1934 Johnson married Claudia Alta Taylor who was famously known as Lady Bird since childhood. Lady Bird played an important role in the life of Johnson through the provision of stability and further shrewd judgement of people.
While in Washington, Johnson’s political profession thrived at a rapid rate as he befriended Texan Sam Rayburn who served as the chairman of the Committee on Interstate and foreign commerce. Rayburn was a powerful and influential politician as he also served as a Democratic leader of the House of Representatives. Johnson served for two years as the director of the National Youth Administration in Texas between 1935 and 1937. The success of the position gave him confidence to run for a seat in the House of Representatives. He secured the position and served in the House for around 12 years. In the period between 1941 and 1942, his position was interrupted to serve as the lieutenant commander in the navy which accorded him the mandate to become the first member of Congress where he served on active duty during World War II. While on duty serving as a member of congress Johnson’s plane was attacked by the Gen and the Japanese fighters but he survived the situation. The crisis awarded Johnson the Silver Star for gallantry which was a major complementary to his political career.
Upon the assassination of President Kennedy, Johnson was sworn in as the President of the United States of America. The presidential election of Johnson in 1964 was faced with significant opposition by some of the politicians like Republican Barry Goldwater. However, during the election Johnson managed to portray himself as a reliable leader unlike Goldwater who was considered to be a reckless extremist. Johnson won the election with more than 61% of the popular vote. During his presidency it was alleged that the North Vietnamese gunboats attacked U.S destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam with no provocation. Johnson action intrigued war as he ordered bombing raids on the North Vietnamese naval installations. The Gulf of Tonkin was passed by Congress after two days which accorded Johnson power to use all possible measures to prevent further aggression by the Vietnam. The authorization Johnson was granted the authority to conduct war in Vietnam with no need of the Congress approval. Johnson actions and policies and the Operation Rolling Thunder aggravated the wars in Vietnam. The American casualties of war continued to increase which contributed to limited Johnson’s limited support from the public. In 1973 Johnson suffered a heart attack and died.
Johnson legacy still stands due to his accomplishments during his political profession. The key achievement that makes him an exemplary leader includes the civil Rights Movement and the rapid legislative initiatives. However, the failures that declined him support from the US citizens include the aggravation of the Vietnam War which resolved into mass destruction and loss of life. Lyndon B Johnson will be remembered for great leadership and guiding US into success.
