Introduction to Lyndon Johnson’s Presidency

What you’ll learn to do: explain major accomplishments and changes made during Johnson’s Presidency

Photograph of Lyndon B. Johnson signing a bill while other government officials watch.

Figure 1. Lyndon B. Johnson signing a bill.

Lyndon Johnson began his administration with dreams of fulfilling Kennedy’s civil rights initiative and accomplishing his own plans to improve lives by eradicating poverty in the United States. However, Johnson’s insistence on maintaining American commitments in Vietnam, a policy begun by Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy, hurt his ability to realize his vision of the Great Society and diminished his support among the American people.