Lyndon B. Johnson served as vice president when Kennedy was the president. Johnson succeeded him after Kennedy was shot dead. He was sworn in as president two hours after Kennedy died.
Johnson entered politics because he wanted to make the world a better place for those who struggled for a living. He served as a U.S Congressman in the beginning of the Second World War, but had to leave to fight in the war later. Years later, he was chosen as the leader in the Senate. After swearing in as the president, Johnson tried to continue Kennedy’s Policies.
Kennedy had been urging for a new civil rights bill and a tax cut at the time of his death. His War on Poverty programme provided early education for poor Children; the programme helped millions of Americans rise above the poverty line.
Johnson persuaded the Congress to pass Medicare and Medicaid plans. These were aimed at providing health care for the elderly and those who could not afford insurance. The people of America were happy with their president and winning the 1964 election was a cakewalk for Johnson.
During Johnson’s administration, America made significant advancements in the space programmed. However, during his second term, the Vietnam War took place. This war turned out to be Johnson’s downfall. As more and more U.S. soldiers died in the war, Johnson’s popularity began to diminish and protests grew throughout the country. Johnson put his full efforts into gaining a peace settlement, but failed.
He left office while peace talks were going on and died due to heart attack on 22 January, 1973.
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