Reality and illusion, 1945–1980 – only) The Johnson Presidency, 1963–1968…

The idea

Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency was shaped by his domineering personality, known as the 'Johnson Treatment', which he used to force domestic policies through Congress. Inheriting the office after Kennedy's assassination, Johnson leveraged the Kennedy legacy and national mourning to pass stalled legislation, notably the 1964 Civil Rights Act. His ambitious 'Great Society' programme aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice, introducing Medicare and federal education funding. Economically, Johnson initially oversaw a booming economy with low unemployment, but his commitment to both the Great Society and the escalating Vietnam War created severe inflationary pressures, straining federal finances and limiting his domestic achievements.

What earns the marks

• Evaluate how Johnson's political experience and intimidating personality facilitated legislative success.
• Assess the extent to which the 'Great Society' achieved its goals of reducing poverty and improving healthcare.
• Analyse how Johnson utilised the emotional aftermath of Kennedy's assassination to pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1964 Tax Reduction Act.
• Examine the economic trajectory of the 1960s, contrasting early prosperity with the later inflation caused by funding both domestic reform and the Vietnam War.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Claiming the Great Society was entirely Johnson's original idea.

  Put it right: Acknowledge that many Great Society initiatives, such as civil rights and tax cuts, were continuations of Kennedy's 'New Frontier' proposals.

• Stating that the US economy was in a depression during Johnson's term.

  Put it right: Note that the mid-1960s saw strong economic growth, but inflation became a significant issue later due to deficit spending.

• Ignoring Johnson's legislative skills when discussing his policy successes.

  Put it right: Explicitly link his passage of complex legislation to his extensive congressional experience and the 'Johnson Treatment'.

Exam tips

• When evaluating the Great Society, balance its legislative triumphs against the practical limitations imposed by Vietnam War funding.
• Use specific examples of Great Society legislation, such as the Voting Rights Act 1965 or the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, to support your arguments.
• Consider how the 'Kennedy legacy' acted as both a catalyst for Johnson's early success and a shadow that he struggled to escape politically.