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Lyndon Baines Johnson August 27, 1908 newall Texas – January 22, 1973 San Antonio Texas Political Party: Democrat Terms in Office: 1st November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1965 2nd January 20, 1965 – January 20, 1969 Vice President: 1st None 2nd Herbert Humphrey

Thematic Context: Throughout Lyndon Johnson's terms in office, America was culturally changing. Figures of equality set the stage, including that of Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout this period the nation was very disinctly divided. Segregation was of the upmost importance. Activists such as Martin Lurther King Jr. were essential as he led thousands of African Americans to equality. Much controvery over the segregation of whites and blacks led to violent riots and predjudice on both races. The pressures of the controvery led Johnson to sign the Civil Rights Act of 1964, eliminating expressed segrefation and marking a new milestone in American history. In continuation of civil liberty Johnson proceeded to sign a second civil rights bill in 1965, the Voting Rights Act. The Voting Rights Act's objective was to take segregation out of voting and to eliminate voting discrepency risen by race. Johnson's interests did not solely lie in civil liberty, but included that of industry and economics. Johnson was an advocate of consummerism, an essential part of modern American culture. Much like Rosevelt Johnson gave power to the common man by creating and enforcing safties laws on industries. For example the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act aimed at requiring every and all ingredients/contents of a product. Laws in other branches of industry included the Highway Safety Act, and the National Traffic Saftey Act.

Thesis: Lyndon Johnson earned an A for his terms in office as the 36th president. Following the assasination of JFK, Johnson was able to overcome many trying problems in office. Johnson's in civil liberties alone changed American culture and paved way for a more prospectful America. Although some may disagree Johnsons advocacy of the Vietnam was not by any means a pitfall in U.S. history. Johnson's interest in creating efficient, fair indistry carries on today, collectively earning him an A for his presidency.

Goals: Much like the famous civil liberties activists Martin Luther KIng Jr. and Malcom X, Johnson shared interest in equality. Johnson's outlook on segregation was that it ought to end. By passing legislation, the Civil Rights Act, and Voting Rights Act, Johnson effectively diminished segregation. Johnson's goals for foreign affairs were plain and simple: Interact. Johnson wanted to intervene in foregin affair rather than throwback to isolationism. Johnson sucessfully accomplished both of these goals.

Relationship with Congress: Johnson looked out with Congress in his presidency. Thankfully for Johnson the majority both the House and the Senate were democratic. Evidence in proving this positive relationship with congress can be seen in the amount of legislation to pass through Johnson. Two major pieces of legislation to be passed during Johnson's presidency were the Medicare and Medicaid Acts of 1965.

Snaps for Johnson!: By far Johnson's most positive contribution to America was his Civil Liberties Acts. The tension surounding the segregation of blacks and whites was so astound that it practically tore the naiton apart piece by piece. Johnson's passing of the Civil LIberties Act eased much tension, although angering pro-segregationists, was able to draw clear laws against discrimination by race. Johnson played an essential role in this growth era.

Shake of the Head: Johnson's decision about refraining from isolationism were a damper to his many positive contributions. By coming out of isolationism, Americans were now on the battlefield. Evidence surrounding the downfall of Johnson's decision can be seen in the death toll from the Vietnam War, as well as expense. The decision to withdraw Americans from Vietnam was a wise one, however sadly left Vietnam a comunist victory.

Future Impact: Johnson's future impacts cannot be limited to any one particular category: war or civic, positive and negative. Johsnon negatively impacted the future with his decision to refrain from isolationism. Opening way for more war, deciding to do battle was a folly which carried on for generations to come. Johnson positively impacted the future with his Civil Liberties Act and Civil Voting Act. By eliminating feuding over race, and adding to voter population Johnson changed American culture. To further Johnsons positives in his presidency the Economic Opportunities Act opened a world of volunteering possibilities to youths of the nation.

Conclusion: In conclusion Johnson effectively aided the nation as president. While many continue to critique Johnson on his Vietnam involement, they cannot take away his monumental footsteps in changing America for the good. Johnson's overall contribution to the American people grants him an A for his presidency.

Works Cited: "Lyndon B. Johnson." //The White House//. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Dec. 2012. "Lyndon B. Johnson." //Wikipedia//. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Dec. 2012. Web. 16 Dec. 2012. "Racial Segregation in the United States." //Wikipedia//. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Dec. 2012. Web. 16 Dec. 2012. "Vietnam War." //Wikipedia//. Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Dec. 2012. Web. 16 Dec. 2012.