Cody+T.+-+LBJ+-+FA10

Lyndon Baines Johnson (August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973) Democratic Party In Office: November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969 Vice President: Hubert Humphrey (1965–1969) Lyndon B. Johnson accomplished a lot in his presidency, and immensely furthered his goals of decreasing poverty and fighting for civil rights. He fought for what he thought was in the best interest of the American people. Because of his role in pushing America into the Vietnam War, he deserves a B+. President Johnson’s goals going into the presidency were mainly to fight poverty and to fight for civil rights. In his commencement address in 1964, Johnson said, “ For in your time we have the opportunity to move not only toward the rich society and the powerful society, but upward to the Great Society. The Great Society rests on abundance and liberty for all. It demands an end to poverty and racial injustice, to which we are totally committed in our time. But that is just the beginning.” Johnson met these goals well, as he created the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which created several anti-poverty programs and he passed the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968, which outlawed different forms of discrimination. Johnson certainly took steps to meet his goals. Johnson had a relatively good relationship with Congress during his presidency. Congress was controlled by the Democrats, which made it easier for Johnson to pass the necessary legislation. During his terms many bills were passed, including the Water Quality Act of 1965 and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1966. Johnson managed to get much accomplished during his presidency. The best action of Johnson’s administration had to be the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Many beneficial organizations stemmed from this, which helped battle poverty. The Job Corps provided vocational training to underprivileged youth. Volunteers in Service to America sent volunteers to teach and work in ghettos. The Work-Study Program gave jobs to needy students so they could work their way through college. This single act created various programs which reached out to the impoverished in America. It was definitely a high point of Johnson’s administration. The worst action of Johnson’s administration had to be entering the Vietnam War. Johnson definitely escalated the conflict with North Vietnam after Americans were attacked by Vietnamese torpedo boats. The US entered war with heavy Congressional approval, but strong disapproval from the people. Johnson led America into what was the most unpopular war in American history, and it hurt his political standing. The war cost the US much in life and money, and is viewed generally as a lack of sound judgment of the Johnson administration. The action of Johnson’s presidency that had the most lasting affect was probably the institution of Medicare and Medicaid. These programs began in 1965, and were funded through the Social Security system. Medicare gives hospital insurance and medical insurance at low costs for those over 65. Medicaid provides the same, but for the poor. These institutions are still in effect today, and continue to assist many Americans in achieving basic medical necessities. Overall, the Johnson administration was a solid one. Advances were made in helping the poor, reaching equality, and bettering life for the American people. Johnson helped stimulate the civil rights movement, and sought equal opportunity for all. The main blemish on Johnson’s resumé was the Vietnam War, which cost the US dearly. Johnson make significant strides towards bettering American, and should be given a B+ for what he accomplished. Works Cited Degregorio, William A.. //The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents, Seventh Edition (Complete Book of Us Presidents) //. 7 ed. Fort Lee: Barricade Books, 2009. Print "Johnson, Lyndon B." //Vietnam War Reference Library//. Vol. 1: Biographies Volume 1. Detroit: UXL, 2001. 148-164. //Gale Virtual Reference Library//. Web. 18 Dec. 2010. "Johnson, Lyndon Baines." //West's Encyclopedia of American Law//. Ed. Shirelle Phelps and Jeffrey Lehman. 2nd ed. Vol. 6. Detroit: Gale, 2005. 22-24. //Gale Virtual Reference Library//. Web. 18 Dec. 2010.