Lyndon B. Johnson and American Liberalism by Bruce J. Schulman (2nd Edition)
Reflection
(15 Points)
“Lyndon Baines Johnson transformed America,” Bruce J. Schulman explains.
“LBJ altered the way Americans worked, played, voted, lived, and died.”[i]
Believing that government “could and should improve American life,” Lyndon
Johnson and his Liberal colleagues undertook dramatic legislative and policy
changes intended to “solve the nation’s problems.”[ii]
Using this biographical sketch and collection of documents, evaluate how
effectively the Liberals’ legislation and policies implemented their
goals. What was within “the reach” of the federal government? What
was not? What role(s) did LBJ personally play in the process? How
effective was he in achieving his personal goals? Why? What were
his strengths as a leader/visionary/activist? What were his
weaknesses? How did his administration shape public opinion regarding the
role of government in modern life?
When President Johnson died, a political cartoon was published depicting him
with wings trying to fly up to heaven. He wasn’t making much progress,
because he was carrying heavy suitcases labeled “Viet Nam.” Based on your
readings, how justified was that “evaluation” of LBJ’s presidency in your
opinion?
[i]Bruce J. Schulman, p. vii.
[ii] Schulman, pp. 1-2