Question

Why did Lyndon Johnson, after becoming president, change his position on civil rights?

Answer 1

Lyndon B. Johnson's change in position on civil rights can be attributed to various factors, both personal and political. Before becoming president, Johnson had a complex political career that involved representing the state of Texas in the House of Representatives and the Senate. During this time, he often had to navigate the delicate balance of supporting civil rights measures while also maintaining the support of Southern Democrats, who were resistant to desegregation and other civil rights advancements.

When Johnson assumed the presidency after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, he inherited a nation in the midst of the civil rights movement. The civil rights issue had gained significant momentum, with events like the Birmingham Campaign, the March on Washington, and the increasing prominence of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. The struggle for civil rights was becoming a focal point of national attention, and Johnson recognized the need to address the issue.

Johnson, a skillful politician, saw an opportunity to build on the momentum of the civil rights movement and use it to advance his own legislative agenda. He believed that supporting civil rights could help solidify his political base, win the support of African American voters, and leave a lasting legacy. Additionally, he was influenced by a sense of moral obligation and a desire to align himself with the changing values of the country.

In 1964, Johnson successfully pushed for the passage of the Civil Rights Act, a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to end segregation and discrimination in public facilities, employment, and voting. This marked a significant departure from his earlier, more cautious approach to civil rights issues. Johnson's political acumen, the changing social climate, and his personal convictions all played roles in his decision to champion civil rights as president.

Answer 2

Lyndon B. Johnson changed his position on civil rights due to the moral implications of the issue, Cold War pressures, Kennedy's legacy, and his Great Society initiative, which sought to eliminate poverty and inequality as a whole.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ), after becoming president, changed his position on civil rights due to several contributing factors. Initially serving as Vice President to Kennedy and thus bound to the southern Democrat vote, his ascension to the presidency and the political landscape allowed him to embrace a more progressive stance on civil rights. Johnson's administration confronted several factors, including civil rights being a moral imperative, Cold War image considerations, and Kennedy's legacy, which influenced his policy shift.

Following Kennedy's assassination, Johnson invoked the slain leader's memory to rally support for civil rights legislation, understanding that fulfilling Kennedy's vision was crucial for his administration and the country. Moreover, Cold War dynamics put pressure on the United States to improve its international standing by addressing human rights issues domestically, which included the mistreatment of African Americans. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark achievement, was signed into law by Johnson, who used his political prowess to navigate the act through Congress, breaking a Senate filibuster and achieving a significant step towards ending legal segregation.

Johnson's Great Society initiative was another factor that personalized his commitment to civil rights. The program's goal to eradicate poverty and improve Americans' lives inherently required addressing racial inequalities obstructing education, housing, and job opportunities for minorities. Johnson's legislative success in civil rights was thus not only morally influenced but also a pragmatic acknowledgment of the inextricable link between racial equality and overall societal progress.