• Lyndon Johnson was the 36th President of the United States. He was elected Vice President in 1960, and assumed the presidency in 1963 after John F. Kennedy's assassination. Although he is chiefly remembered for expanding U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, Johnson was also responsible for instituting health care and education initiatives during his presidency.

• Congressional experience

  Prior to his presidential terms, Johnson was a Texas Congressman in the House of Representatives for 12 years, and then another 12 years representing Texas in the Senate. During his congressional career, he became known for his commanding personality, and his ability to gain the support of other prominent legislators.

• Presidential career

  Johnson won his 1964 reelection campaign by a huge margin, which helped him push through a number of social reform projects, including Medicare and Medicaid. He also pushed through the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act in 1965. Unfortunately, the latter years of his presidency were marked by decreasing popularity, as a result of his social and civil rights programs. Most importantly was growing disapproval for the Vietnam War.

• Fast Facts

  1. Full name: Lyndon Baine Johnson
  2. Born August 27, 1908
  3. Assumed office: November 22, 1963
  4. Spouse: Lady Bird Johnson
  5. Commonly referred to by his initials, LBJ
  6. Fond of naming people after his initials
  7. Owned beagles named "Him" and "Her"
  8. Religion: Disciples of Christ

• Quotes

  1. "I am a dominating personality, and when I get things done I don't always please all the people." -LBJ, on his flagging presidential popularity
  2. If WE think they’re winning then you can imagine what THEY think!" -LBJ, on the Viet Cong

• Related Mahalo Pages

  John F. Kennedy | Richard Nixon | Vietnam War | Lady Bird Johnson | Poverty in America

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