Lyndon Johnson: A Portrait of a President

Lyndon B. Johnson: Portrait of a President

by Robert Dallek

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2353 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	417 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Lyndon Johnson was one of the most important and controversial presidents in American history. He presided over a period of great social and political change, including the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He also oversaw the escalation of the Vietnam War, which ultimately proved to be his unng.

Johnson was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a brilliant politician who was also capable of great ruthlessness. He was a man of great ambition who was also deeply insecure. He was a man of great compassion who was also capable of great cruelty.

In his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, Robert Caro paints a vivid portrait of Johnson, drawing on exclusive access to Johnson's personal papers and interviews with his family and friends. Caro's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand one of the most consequential figures in American history.

Early Life and Career

Lyndon Baines Johnson was born on August 27, 1908, in Stonewall, Texas. He was the eldest of five children born to Sam Ealy Johnson, Jr., a farmer and state legislator, and Rebekah Baines Johnson. Johnson's father was a stern and demanding man who instilled in his son a strong work ethic. His mother was a loving and supportive woman who encouraged her son's ambitions.

Johnson was a bright and ambitious child. He skipped two grades in school and graduated from high school at the age of 15. He then attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College, where he studied history and political science. After graduating from college, Johnson taught school for two years before entering politics.

In 1931, Johnson was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He served in the state legislature for six years, rising to become the majority leader. In 1937, Johnson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served in the House for 12 years, rising to become the majority leader in 1953.

Vice President

In 1960, Johnson was elected vice president on the Democratic ticket with John F. Kennedy. Johnson was a loyal and effective vice president, but he was also ambitious. He was constantly maneuvering for power, and he often clashed with Kennedy's advisors.

In November 1963, Kennedy was assassinated and Johnson became president. Johnson was determined to continue Kennedy's legacy, but he also had his own agenda.

President

Johnson's presidency was a time of great social and political change. He oversaw the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed discrimination based on race and sex. He also launched the War on Poverty, which aimed to reduce poverty and inequality in America.

Johnson's presidency was also marked by the escalation of the Vietnam War. Johnson believed that the United States had to fight communism in Vietnam, but the war proved to be unpopular with the American people. The war also led to a rise in anti-war protests and civil unrest.

In 1968, Johnson decided not to seek re-election. He left office in January 1969, a tired and disillusioned man.

Legacy

Lyndon Johnson is a complex and contradictory figure. He was a brilliant politician who was also capable of great ruthlessness. He was a man of great ambition who was also deeply insecure. He was a man of great compassion who was also capable of great cruelty.

Johnson's legacy is mixed. He is remembered for his achievements in the areas of civil rights and poverty, but he is also remembered for the escalation of the Vietnam War.

Ultimately, Lyndon Johnson was a man of great ambition and great talent. He was also a man of great flaws. He was a complex and contradictory figure who left a lasting mark on American history.

Lyndon B. Johnson: Portrait of a President

by Robert Dallek

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2353 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	417 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE