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How Did L. B Johnson Influence The Civil Rights Movement

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After the death of John F. Kennedy in 1963, Lyndon Baines Johnson, also known as L.B.J., became president of the United States of America. In his early life in politics, President L.B.J. worked to weaken bills that prohibited discrimination because he thought is was the job of the states. Later when he became president, he passed the Civil Rights act of 1964. Many people question why he changed his mind. Was it because he thought it principally right or was it to please the majority to get re-elected in the upcoming election? Before L.B.J. got into politics, he worked at a Mexican-American school in Cotulla, Texas. President Johnson taught 5th, 6th, and 7th, grade at this small elementary school. President L.B.J. says, “They never seemed to know why people disliked them. But they knew it was so, because I saw it in their eyes.” This proves that President Johnson had some heart for these students. Mr. Wilbur …show more content…

It motivated him on the education bill, on his nondiscrimination, on civil rights, and a great many basic ideas that were developed during during his presidency.’” This showed him what it was really like to be discriminated against. President Johnson adding the non discrimination in schools to the Civil Rights Bill shows that he had a principal mindset towards this part of the bill and could really feel for those children. Another principal act during the presidency of Lyndon Johnson was during an interview with Roy Wilkins. During the interview with Wilkins, President Johnson said, “‘You will recognize the words I’m about to repeat. Free at last, free at last. Thank God almighty, I’m free at last.’” If you notice, Johnson changes the words from “We are free at last!” to “I’m free at last” meaning he is referring to himself. When he switches the words he changes the meaning completely. President Johnson is referring to his past ways and how he has realized

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