Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency started and ended with immense sorrow, being that he was one of four vice presidents sworn in after the death of a president. After the death of John. F. Kennedy, the nation needed continuity and stability. Johnson took charge and advanced not only the Kennedy legacy, but his own as well, becoming one of the most influential presidents in history.
In Johnson’s early years, he lived on a small farm with his family in Texas. Johnson had come from a long line of farmers, cattlemen, and just overall ranchers, but young LBJ dedicated his life to creating a better future for himself. Much like his father, Johnson had decided early in life to pursue a political career.
“When I was fourteen years old I decided I was
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Some of these reforms include Medicare and Medicaid, the Voting Rights Act, and the Civil Rights Act. These acts of his had a huge impact on American society. They are acts and programs that still live on today.
On July 2, 1964, The Civil Rights Act was signed by Johnson. The act would outlaw discrimination based on race or color, sex, religion or national origin. It also prohibited segregation in schools, employment, and public accomodation. Former President Kennedy’s plans were fulfilled thanks to Lyndon B. Johnson. Minorities finally had the same rights as any other person and were treated as an equal part in society. This law would have a lasting effect for future generations.
November 3, 1964 Johnson was elected as President of the United States. In January of the following year, he would be inaugurated as president. It would finish a legacy and create a new kind of power for Americans.
Lyndon B. Johnson also temporarily reduced poverty. He enacted the “war on poverty”. This symbolic war similar to that of President Bush’s “war on terrorism” started programs like Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, Head Start, Job Corps, VISTA, and Title I. These programs help Americans live comfortably in life. Many Americans rely on these programs to get by or survive. Everyone has a right to life and Johnson paved a way for everyone to live
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The EOA attacked the roots of unemployment and poverty by providing training for jobs, issuing adult education, and giving loans to small businesses. The EOA started many Community Action Agencies (CAA’s) that are non-profit private and public organizations that help people help themselves in achieving self-sufficiency. By 1968 there were more than 1,600 CAA’s aiding the poor and unemployed in training for entry level jobs, food programs, housing services, child care, and health services.
The nation not only faced hardships in America, but with various countries. While dealing with life in the U.S., Johnson also had to address issues with other leaders. One of these issues would include the involvement with Latin America. When Cuban Communist Dictator Fidel Castro demanded back Guantanamo Naval Base and shut off the water to the installation, LBJ ordered the Navy to create its own water supply. This caused the Cubans to stand down against the Americans.
The Panamanians also brought attention to America controlling the Panama Canal Zone. Although they rioted with violence, Johnson dealt with the problem and agreed to return the zone back to the Panama, eventually ending the