Lyndon Baines Johnson

(1908 - 1973 )

Who was Lyndon Johnson ?

    Lyndon B. Johnson was born in Texas. Growing up in rural poverty, he worked hard to graduate from Southwest Texas State Teachers College in 1930, after which he became a teacher. In 1937 he was elected to the House of Representatives. During World War II, he served as a lieutenant commander in the Navy. After the war, he was elected to the Senate. Johnson was elected Vice President with John F. Kennedy, and when Kennedy was assassinated, he became President.

    After taking care of business which Kennedy was unable to complete, President Johnson began campaigning his Great Society. His purpose was to improve the social and economic living standards of the American people. Congress eagerly accompanied Johnson's efforts, passing some of the most important bills in U.S. history.