Lyndon Baines Johnson

Lyndon Baines Johnson

Lyndon Baines Johnson was born on August 27, 1908 in Stonewall Texas. In November of 1931, he was elected into the House of Representatives (LBJ 1). Shortly after that he was asked by Congressman Richard Kleberg to serve as his secretary. He held that position for over three years (Kirkendall 1). While working in that field, he gained a better understanding of how the Congress really worked, and the expected responsibilities. He took all of this to his advantage (White 1).

In 1935, Lyndon Johnson resigned as Kleberg's Secretary because President Roosevelt made a more appeasing offer. He offered Johnson a position as the Texas Director of the National Youth Administration. He was just 20 years old, but had become the youngest State director (Vietnam 2) . Only two years later, he resigned from that position. He then took the initiative to enter himself into the Special election for the 10th Congressional District. This was a result due to the death of Representative James P. Buchanan. Fortunately, he succeeded, and won (LBJ 1).

Lyndon Johnson was a very successful man. He conquered so much, and worked very independently and eagerly. The public and their interests were one of his main priorities. For these reasons, a significant of amount of work was placed in favor of his personal goals, and the people. He had a positive work ethic, and it most definitely worked in a positive direction (LBJ 1).

From 1938 to 1948, Johnson was re-elected into Congress. In 1940, he was elected as the Lieutenant Commander for the United States Naval Reserve (Vietnam 1). Shortly after Pearl Harbor was bombed, December 7, 1941, Johnson became the first member of Congress to volunteer for active duty in the armed forces. He was actually scheduled to report two days later (Vietnam1). General Douglas Macarthur rewarded Johnson, and the great risk he decided to take. Johnson was given the Silver Star for his courageous efforts. On July 16th, 1942, President Roosevelt ordered that all members of Congress return to their offices (White 1).

In November of 1948, Lyndon Johnson won the Democratic Primary race. He defeated the Republican Party with simply no effort. As a result, he was elected into the United States Senate (LBJ 3). His determination was well awarded, and was beginning to pay off. In 1951, Johnson was also elected the Majority Whip of the United States (White 1). Three years later, he was re-elected into the Senate for a second term. A year later, he was appointed the Majority Leader of Senate (LBJ 3). He involved himself in many organizations and projects for the Democratic Party.

In 1960, Lyndon Baines Johnson was nominated for President of the United States. The Speaker of the House of Representatives was responsible for this. On November 6th, he was elected Vice President, and also was re-elected for a third term in the Senate (LBJ 4). After he took his oath agreeing to a six year term in Senate, he immediately resigned. It seemed as if resignation was becoming a habit for him (LBJ 4).

On November 22nd, 1963, Lyndon Johnson became the 36th President of the United States. John F. Kennedy was assassinated, which left Johnson responsible to fill his position. He agreed to follow the agenda that Kennedy had. This opportunity allowed him to exercise his professionalism and leadership expertise (Warren 58). He managed to gain an abundant amount of American supporters. The following November, Johnson was elected President. He took his oath, and announced his foreign policies and made them official (Hearden 97).

The Vietnam War became a major concern for many American citizens. It was the headline for much public broadcasting, and held many controversial talks on radio stations. Americans had so many unanswered questions. In July of 1965, Johnson explained in depth why so many Americans were fighting, and why the death toll rose in Vietnam (Warren 100). He also elaborated on his goals, and his plans for Vietnam. However, he released some very shocking news. Johnson was going to release 50,000 additional troops into Vietnam. That brought the grand total up to 125,000 active troops overseas. He promised the United States would not surrender, nor retreat. He reassured