Before taking over the presidency, Lyndon B. Johnson was a well-established Texan politician and longtime Senate leader. In 1961, Johnson became Vice President to John F. Kennedy and succeeded him after he was assassinated. He then ran for a full term in the 1964 election, and won against Barry Goldwater. Johnson was a man with humble origins, but through his determination and intelligence he gained wealth and political influence. Johnson is one of the most underrated presidents because of his contributions through the Great Society, his foreign policy in Vietnam, Mexico, and the Soviet Union, and his ambition.
Although there was conservative backlash against the Great Society, the implementation of Johnson’s domestic policy made significant …show more content…
However, despite the extra monetary cost, the effects of the Great Society were monumental. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Open Housing Act of 1968 worked to end discrimination and allowed African Americans to use all public accommodations, choose where they live, and guaranteed them voting rights. Not only did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 end race based discrimination, but it also ended discrimination based on sex and religion. In the area of education, 60 bills called for better equipped classrooms, low interest students loans, minority scholarships, and many other improvements. These improvements allowed people from all walks of life to attend college and obtain an education. The Great Society also brought attention to the importance of clean air and water, and the U.S.’s total parkland was increased by 15%. These scenic areas still exist today and are visited by countless numbers of people who are able to enjoy the preserved nature and wildlife. Head Start allowed young children from impoverished families to …show more content…
He increased bombing raids to placate the “hawks,” while increasing troops and efforts at negotiations to placate the “doves.” Johnson’s attempts to appease people and his lack of boldness undermined the rest of his presidency. No matter which side he chose, he would be met with opposition, so he tried to stay “neutral” in order to avoid conflict (“Foreign Affairs” 2-3). If Johnson did not have to deal with the Vietnam War, his presidency would be seen as one of the most effective, due to all the legislation he got passed (“Seeing is Believing” 1). He sent more troops to Vietnam, despite the high casualties, because he wanted to keep America’s honor and thought that if America withdrew from Vietnam, communism would spread to other surrounding countries (domino theory). Once communism spread, America would be involved in even more conflicts (“Lyndon,” The White House). He also feared that the failure to stop the Viet Cong and North Vietnam would increase the chances of another uprising that could lead to nuclear war (“Foreign Affairs” 2). He sent more troops to Vietnam because he wanted to avoid these problems. Vietnam overshadowed Johnson’s accomplishments, such as his handling of a land disagreement
Although there was conservative backlash against the Great Society, the implementation of Johnson’s domestic policy made significant …show more content…
However, despite the extra monetary cost, the effects of the Great Society were monumental. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Open Housing Act of 1968 worked to end discrimination and allowed African Americans to use all public accommodations, choose where they live, and guaranteed them voting rights. Not only did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 end race based discrimination, but it also ended discrimination based on sex and religion. In the area of education, 60 bills called for better equipped classrooms, low interest students loans, minority scholarships, and many other improvements. These improvements allowed people from all walks of life to attend college and obtain an education. The Great Society also brought attention to the importance of clean air and water, and the U.S.’s total parkland was increased by 15%. These scenic areas still exist today and are visited by countless numbers of people who are able to enjoy the preserved nature and wildlife. Head Start allowed young children from impoverished families to …show more content…
He increased bombing raids to placate the “hawks,” while increasing troops and efforts at negotiations to placate the “doves.” Johnson’s attempts to appease people and his lack of boldness undermined the rest of his presidency. No matter which side he chose, he would be met with opposition, so he tried to stay “neutral” in order to avoid conflict (“Foreign Affairs” 2-3). If Johnson did not have to deal with the Vietnam War, his presidency would be seen as one of the most effective, due to all the legislation he got passed (“Seeing is Believing” 1). He sent more troops to Vietnam, despite the high casualties, because he wanted to keep America’s honor and thought that if America withdrew from Vietnam, communism would spread to other surrounding countries (domino theory). Once communism spread, America would be involved in even more conflicts (“Lyndon,” The White House). He also feared that the failure to stop the Viet Cong and North Vietnam would increase the chances of another uprising that could lead to nuclear war (“Foreign Affairs” 2). He sent more troops to Vietnam because he wanted to avoid these problems. Vietnam overshadowed Johnson’s accomplishments, such as his handling of a land disagreement