Final answer:
President Lyndon B. Johnson was more successful in enacting civil rights legislation than President Kennedy, pushing through the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other measures by leveraging his political skill and continuing Kennedy's legacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparison of Civil Rights Achievements: Johnson vs. Kennedy
When comparing the civil rights achievements of President Lyndon B. Johnson to those of President John F. Kennedy, it is evident that Johnson had more legislative success. While Kennedy laid the groundwork for civil rights legislation and promoted the expansion of civil rights, his focus was divided, and he was cautious in his support due to political pressures. However, following the assassination of Kennedy, Johnson utilized his political acumen and the call to continue the work of his predecessor to push through significant civil rights legislation, most notably the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination and established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Furthermore, Johnson's administration endorsed further civil rights advances within his Great Society initiatives, emphasizing the eradication of poverty and the advancement of civil rights.
Kennedy's efforts, while earnest, were more cautious and tempered by his focus on foreign policy and the political climate of the time. His administration saw initial attempts to improve African Americans' rights to vote, employment, and education opportunities. However, it was under Johnson that the most impactful civil rights legislation was enacted. Johnson's extensive experience in politics, especially in maneuvering within the legislature, allowed for decisive actions such as breaking a Senate filibuster to pass Kennedy's proposed civil rights bill. This act, and further measures such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, cemented Johnson's legacy in the civil rights movement.