LBJ

I didn't know the LBJ museum on campus was actually a museum about Lyndon B. Johnson. It was interesting to see his presidential career displayed in the museum. I'm pretty sure I learned about everything that was in the museum back in high school AP US history, but I never gave LBJ much attention. I think it was the first time I actually really thought about his presidency.

Maysie posing in the museum =)

Domestically, LBJ was a successful leader. First of all, I want to say that I was surprised to learn that LBJ succeeded presidency after John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I always hear about how great LBJ was, so I never imagined he began his career as a vice president. Anyway, as I was saying, he was an amazing leader. He was the driving force of the Civil Rights movement. Even though the South protested, he successfully convinced the Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He had the courage to step up and do the right thing other presidents were afraid to do. Even though he knew that his party would lose the support of the South, he did what was ethically correct.

Southern resistance

He made progress with other domestic movements. Along with the civil rights movement, he designed and pushed for the "Great Society." He created many laws to improve the lives of Americans.

"The Thousand Laws of the Great Society"

pens LBJ used to sign the laws

LBJ pushed for "War on Poverty." He created programs such as Head Start, food stamps, Work Study, Medicare and Medicaid, which still exist today. He increased the level of education in America, rescued many people from poverty, and all in all improved the lives of Americans with his programs.

"Head Start"-"Four- and five-year-old children from

disadvantaged families attend special classes where they get

nourishing meals and medical attention, and a chance to start school on

an even basis with other youngsters."

Even though LBJ was a great leader domestically, he made a mistake with his foreign policies. When he took over the president's position, he reversed JFK's order to withdraw from Vietnam and greatly increased US involvement. He was an adamant believer of the domino theory of communism and strongly advocated containment. With the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, LBJ decided to expand American influence in Vietnam war. As we know now, his misjudgment cost many American lives, and he lost his support.

Model of a ship involved in the Gulf of Tonkins Resolution

Lyndon B. Johnson had his ups and downs. He made a mistake of getting involved in Vietnam, but many people still remember him as a great president because of his domestic efforts. He was a great leader who could control and successfully gain support of his followers.