How Significant Was Lyndon B Johnson in Improving Civil Rights for African Americans?
How significant was Lyndon B Johnson in improving civil rights for African-Americans during his presidency (1963-69)?
Lyndon B Johnson became president in 1963 after the assassination of President John F Kennedy on November 22nd 1963. He formulated many policies including ‘The Great Society’. This was introduced in an aim to end poverty, improve education and rejuvenate cities for all Americans. Johnson also introduced Civil Rights. This act refers to the personal rights a citizen holds which are protected by the US government and prohibits; the discrimination of race, religion, age or gender. This was introduced to create equal opportunities for all. This essay will outline the key factors regarding whether or not Lyndon B Johnson was significant in improving Civil rights due to factors such as riots, involvement in Vietnam, the policies he introduced and laws which were passed.
Some historians argue that Lyndon B Johnson was significant improving civil rights for African-Americans during his presidency. For example, “He was able to push through the landmark laws of 64 and 65” (source one). This suggests that he was committed to civil rights and was trying to help black citizens. In addition, in relation to the Civil Rights act and The Voting Rights act being passed, some historians suggest that these acts were “Johnson’s greatest achievement but also formed part of a wider vision”. In corroboration with source 1, this continues to suggest that Johnson was dedicated to Civil Rights and maintained the idea that America was in needed help to improve relations and better social acceptance. Furthermore, the history learning site shows that Johnson wanted to help the situation by quoting that “Johnson continued that discrimination was morally wrong and wanted a change.” To continue this point, “President Johnson provided a federal troop escort so the marchers could finish their march” (source 12). According to own research (www.history.co.uk – History
Lyndon B Johnson became president in 1963 after the assassination of President John F Kennedy on November 22nd 1963. He formulated many policies including ‘The Great Society’. This was introduced in an aim to end poverty, improve education and rejuvenate cities for all Americans. Johnson also introduced Civil Rights. This act refers to the personal rights a citizen holds which are protected by the US government and prohibits; the discrimination of race, religion, age or gender. This was introduced to create equal opportunities for all. This essay will outline the key factors regarding whether or not Lyndon B Johnson was significant in improving Civil rights due to factors such as riots, involvement in Vietnam, the policies he introduced and laws which were passed.
Some historians argue that Lyndon B Johnson was significant improving civil rights for African-Americans during his presidency. For example, “He was able to push through the landmark laws of 64 and 65” (source one). This suggests that he was committed to civil rights and was trying to help black citizens. In addition, in relation to the Civil Rights act and The Voting Rights act being passed, some historians suggest that these acts were “Johnson’s greatest achievement but also formed part of a wider vision”. In corroboration with source 1, this continues to suggest that Johnson was dedicated to Civil Rights and maintained the idea that America was in needed help to improve relations and better social acceptance. Furthermore, the history learning site shows that Johnson wanted to help the situation by quoting that “Johnson continued that discrimination was morally wrong and wanted a change.” To continue this point, “President Johnson provided a federal troop escort so the marchers could finish their march” (source 12). According to own research (www.history.co.uk – History