Lyndon B. Johnson and the Civil Rights Movement
- Former Senate Majority Leader from Texas, who in the 1950s often opposed or weakened civil rights legislation.
- After becoming president in 1963, he emerged as a central figure in civil rights reform.
Why did LBJ initially oppose the Civil Rights Movement?
- As a Texas senator, Johnson represented a Southern constituency where segregation and racial prejudice were deeply ingrained.
- Supporting civil rights early in his career could have alienated voters and allies in the Democratic South, which was staunchly pro-segregation at the time.
- Johnson was a pragmatic politician focused on climbing the political ladder.
- Taking a strong stance on civil rights during the 1940s and 1950s could have jeopardized his national aspirations within a party that relied heavily on the “Solid South.”
- As Senate Majority Leader in the 1950s, Johnson often prioritized maintaining unity and control in the Senate over pushing divisive issues like civil rights.
- He worked behind the scenes to weaken or slow civil rights legislation to avoid conflict with powerful Southern senators.
- Johnson reportedly used racial epithets in private, and some biographers argue that he held personal biases that made him reluctant to champion civil rights reforms until later in life.
- Once he became president, Johnson shifted his position driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy, his admiration for Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal vision, and the growing national demand for justice.
- This transformation led to his crucial role in passing the Civil Rights Act (1964), Voting Rights Act (1965), and Fair Housing Act (1968).
Early Roles and Influence
- Began his career as a teacher for Mexican-American students in segregated Texas schools.
- Led the National Youth Administration (NYA) in Texas during the Great Depression, shaping his views on poverty and government intervention.
- Later recalled NYA experience as formative in shaping his empathy for the disadvantaged, saying: “Somehow you never forget what poverty and hatred can do when you see its scars on the hopeful face of a young child.”
Commitment to Social Welfare
- His early roles as teacher and NYA administrator were crucial in shaping a lifelong commitment to social welfare, education, and racial equity.
- This commitment endured despite his later political compromises.
Federal Action and the “Great Society”
- Supported strong federal action to alleviate poverty, improve education, and promote civil rights.
- These priorities became the cornerstones of his “Great Society” programs as president.
- Though he navigated Southern loyalties and political realities in the Senate, his formative experiences gave him a moral grounding that surfaced during his presidency.
