How Did Lyndon Johnson Influence The Civil Rights Movement
Junior Paper
Civil rights have been a controversial topic throughout the course of history. Despite previous efforts, the most significant wave of civil reforms did not occur until the early 1960’s, during the political height of the 36th president Lyndon Johnson. Johnson, as he worked his way up the political ladder, gained a clear understanding of American policies. After the assassination of his predecessor Kennedy, Johnson stepped forward as the nation’s new leader. The time surrounding Johnson was filled with chaos. As more and more Americans opened their eyes to the prevalent discrimination within their seemingly “equal” nation, civil right leaders began their crusade. While numerous …show more content…
In 1966, after numerous months spent petitioning, Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law. This bill prohibited any form of discrimination of services at any venue providing public accommodations (Chambers). He assured African Americans that the government would take action in any situation concerning racism, helping restore faith between the people and their government. By passing this law, Johnson took a stern stance against anyone who refused to offer others the same treatment they would give themselves. Through legal requirement, companies could no longer give benefits to certain individuals due to race. Johnson’s intolerance for discrimination required federal action to be taken. The act gave the attorney general the right to sue states that violated voting rights and to deal with discrimination of agencies, public and private, that received federal funds (Wynn 169-170). The act forced the public to obey civil right laws, whether or not the individual agreed. Johnson helped broadened the span of federal authority, allowing the black community to participate in society with reassurance of protection. He shattered the norm “separate but equal”, helping establish a truly free nation. The Civil Rights Act assigned the newly created Equal Employment Opportunity Commission the job of investigating discrimination disputes (Chambers). In order to address the public’s cry for help, Johnson used this part of the Act to guarantee that all matters of racial injustice were looked into by authorities. Johnson showed equality to both the African American and white community because the Commission gave a fair investigation to both sides. Through this act Johnson restored the government’s role in maintaining civil rights, meanwhile providing equal services to all
Civil rights have been a controversial topic throughout the course of history. Despite previous efforts, the most significant wave of civil reforms did not occur until the early 1960’s, during the political height of the 36th president Lyndon Johnson. Johnson, as he worked his way up the political ladder, gained a clear understanding of American policies. After the assassination of his predecessor Kennedy, Johnson stepped forward as the nation’s new leader. The time surrounding Johnson was filled with chaos. As more and more Americans opened their eyes to the prevalent discrimination within their seemingly “equal” nation, civil right leaders began their crusade. While numerous …show more content…
In 1966, after numerous months spent petitioning, Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law. This bill prohibited any form of discrimination of services at any venue providing public accommodations (Chambers). He assured African Americans that the government would take action in any situation concerning racism, helping restore faith between the people and their government. By passing this law, Johnson took a stern stance against anyone who refused to offer others the same treatment they would give themselves. Through legal requirement, companies could no longer give benefits to certain individuals due to race. Johnson’s intolerance for discrimination required federal action to be taken. The act gave the attorney general the right to sue states that violated voting rights and to deal with discrimination of agencies, public and private, that received federal funds (Wynn 169-170). The act forced the public to obey civil right laws, whether or not the individual agreed. Johnson helped broadened the span of federal authority, allowing the black community to participate in society with reassurance of protection. He shattered the norm “separate but equal”, helping establish a truly free nation. The Civil Rights Act assigned the newly created Equal Employment Opportunity Commission the job of investigating discrimination disputes (Chambers). In order to address the public’s cry for help, Johnson used this part of the Act to guarantee that all matters of racial injustice were looked into by authorities. Johnson showed equality to both the African American and white community because the Commission gave a fair investigation to both sides. Through this act Johnson restored the government’s role in maintaining civil rights, meanwhile providing equal services to all