Youngest Senate Minorty and Majority Leader

Lyndon Baines Johnson was born in 1908 in Stonewall, Texas. He grew up relatively poor and worked his way through Southwest Texas State Teacher's College. After spending time teaching students of Mexican descent, he became interested in politics and successfully campaigned for the House of Representatives with the help of his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, in 1937. Johnson served six terms in the House of Representatives and spent time as a lieutenant commander during World War II. In 1948, he was elected to the Senate and soon became the youngest minority leader in Senate history. He then became the youngest majority leader.

Ascension to Presidency

Known as a master manipulator of Congress, he helped President Eisenhower gain passage of several key bills. In 1960, John F. Kennedy chose him to be his running mate in his presidential campaign. On November 22, 1963, President Kennedy was assassinated, and Johnson was sworn in as America’s 36th president.

"Great Society" and the Onset of the Vietnam War

During his presidency, Johnson successfully advocated a tax cut for the public and a new Civil Rights Bill. He also spoke to the populace of a “Great Society” in which the meaning of life and the “marvels” of man’s labor were one and the same. In 1964, Johnson was reelected by the widest margin in American history. Johnson’s next term included improvements to the education system and social security, measures to reverse widespread poverty, disease, and crime, as well as measures to facilitate foreign relations and conservation. Johnson’s second term, however, was plagued by the escalating situation in Vietnam, which soon became the Vietnam War. Despite his popularity, Johnson decided not to run for a third term as president so he could devote all of his time to establishing peace.

Lyndon B. Johnson: Youngest Senate Leader and President

Lyndon Baines Johnson was born in 1908 in Stonewall, Texas. He grew up in a poor family and had to work hard to pay for college. He attended Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College and later became a teacher for children of Mexican descent. His experiences in the classroom sparked his interest in politics. In 1937, with the support of his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, he successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Johnson served six terms in the House and briefly joined the Navy during World War II as a lieutenant commander. In 1948, he won a seat in the U.S. Senate. He quickly rose to power and became the youngest minority leader in Senate history. Not long after, he became the youngest majority leader as well. Johnson earned a reputation as a skilled negotiator and was known for working well with both Democrats and Republicans.

Becoming President After Tragedy

In 1960, John F. Kennedy chose Johnson to be his vice president. When President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, Johnson became the 36th president of the United States. As president, he worked to pass laws that would benefit the American people. One of his first major successes was pushing for a tax cut and a new Civil Rights Bill.

The "Great Society"

Johnson shared a vision of America he called the “Great Society.” He wanted to improve life for all citizens by fighting poverty, increasing access to education, and expanding healthcare. He won the 1964 election in a landslide and continued his work by creating new laws to help people with low incomes, protect the environment, and support schools.

The Vietnam War and Retirement

Unfortunately, the Vietnam War became a major problem during Johnson’s second term. Even though he passed many helpful laws, the war made him less popular. He chose not to run for president again in 1968 so he could focus on trying to bring peace to Vietnam. Johnson left office in 1969 and passed away a few years later.

Discussion Questions

1. Why was Lyndon B. Johnson called a "master manipulator" of Congress?
2. What were some of the goals of Johnson’s “Great Society”?
3. How did the Vietnam War affect Johnson’s presidency?
4. Why did Johnson choose not to run for another term as president?

Glossary

• Minority Leader – The leader of the political party with fewer members in a legislative body.
• Majority Leader – The leader of the political party with more members in a legislative body.
• Assassinated – To be killed suddenly and secretly, often for political reasons.
• Legislation – Laws or legal rules made by a government.
• Vietnam War – A long conflict in Southeast Asia that involved the U.S. and caused great division at home.