Lyndon B. Johnson

Profession: 36th US President

Nationality:

Political Party: Democratic
Political Titles: Vice President, 11th United States Senate Majority

Presidential Term: November 22, 1963 - January 20, 1969
Preceded By: John F. Kennedy
Succeeded By: Richard Nixon

Biography: Johnson became the president after the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. He won re-election in his own right in 1965.

Johnson was highly successful in passing domestic legislation, policies which he termed the Great Society. This included Medicare, Medicaid, legislation expanding civil rights and public broadcasting. He declared a War on Poverty, which was successful in getting millions of Americans above the poverty line. His presidency coincided with the peak of the civil rights movement, and he signed a number of civil rights legislation into law.

The Vietnam War dominated Johnson's presidency. The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1964 paved the way for America's domination of the conflict. Johnson drew increasing criticism for his handling of the war which saw thousands of Americans die and a credibility gap emerge over his claims of victory. Amid a massive anti-war movement and an increasingly violent domestic situation, Johnson's popularity rapidly declined and he announced he would not seek re-election in 1968.

Despite fierce criticism over the Vietnam War, Johnson's domestic achievements helped reshape American politics.

Born: August 27, 1908
Birthplace: Stonewall, Texas, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Virgo

Died: January 22, 1973 (aged 64)