Johnson: personality and policies

Question 1

Johnson’s personality / context

Answer 1

• teacher in 1928
• 2 children
• entered politics 1930 (22) won seat in house of representatives
• appointed Texas state director for National Youth Admin 1935, helped over 28,000 texans , alleviated black unemployment
• served navy during war
• elected to congress 1937
• won senate race 1948
• great political skill + became democratic leader in the senate 1955
• sought presidential nomination but Kennedy chose him as running mate

Question 2

Johnson context: vice president

Answer 2

• chaired Ks EEOC: increased federal jobs for black people by 22% - lacked funding and power
• intimidating politician ‘johnson treatment’
• work ethic greater than any other president despite major heart attack 1955
• passed over 60 pieces of legislation

Question 3

1964 election

Answer 3

• seemed to gibe Johnson advantage: opponent Barry Goldwater, seen to be campaigning against Kennedy’s legacy
• J won 61% of vote - highest in 20th century

Question 4

what were Johnson’s policies

Answer 4

• policies were mostly domestic (unlike most Ps)
• great society was extension of ks new frontier
• didn’t intend to raise taxes
• problems exposed by Harringtons ‘the other america’ were his principle focus
• war on poverty: sought to re-establish the American Dream for all