Module 1: LBJ

Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ)

Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) was a pivotal figure in mid-20th century American politics, known for his transformative role in advancing civil rights, social welfare programs, and poverty alleviation. Born and raised in Texas, Johnson's early experiences shaped his political philosophy, particularly his commitment to addressing poverty and inequality. As a young man, LBJ worked with the Texas National Youth Administration (NYA) during the Great Depression, helping young people find work and gain vocational training. This exposure to the challenges faced by poor and marginalized communities deepened his resolve to use government intervention to improve social conditions. As director of the NYA, LBJ secretly (and illegally) funneled New Deal money to black and Hispanic public schools, which had been forbidden by law.

Johnson’s time in Washington began when he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1937, but it was as Senate Majority Leader from 1955 to 1961 that he earned a reputation for his political skill and ability to navigate complex legislative battles. His success as a legislative strategist would later become crucial in his presidency.

When LBJ became president in 1963 following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, he set out to fulfill Kennedy’s vision of a more just and equitable society, launching what became known as the "Great Society." Central to his vision was the War on Poverty, a series of programs designed to reduce economic inequality and provide greater opportunities for disadvantaged Americans. The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was one of the landmark pieces of legislation aimed at fighting poverty, creating job training programs, educational initiatives, and community development projects. Johnson also expanded social welfare programs significantly, including Medicare and Medicaid, which provided healthcare to seniors and low-income individuals. These efforts marked a dramatic expansion of the welfare state and were rooted in the belief that government should play an active role in reducing inequality and providing a safety net for all citizens.

Johnson's Great Society also included groundbreaking civil rights legislation, aimed at dismantling racial segregation and ensuring voting rights for African Americans. One of LBJ’s most significant accomplishments was the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public accommodations, employment, and education. The following year, he signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which sought to eliminate racial discrimination in voting practices, especially in the South, where literacy tests and poll taxes were used to disenfranchise African American voters. These laws were a direct response to the longstanding racial inequality that had plagued the country, and they represented a historic commitment to civil rights. Although LBJ faced significant political resistance, especially from Southern lawmakers, his domestic agenda reshaped American society, ensuring that poverty alleviation and racial equality were central to the nation’s political discourse. Through his leadership, Johnson left a legacy of expanded social welfare programs, civil rights advancements, and a determined effort to reduce inequality in America.