Lyndon B. Johnson: A Career In Politics

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Lyndon B. Johnson Lyndon Baines Johnson was born on August 27, 1908, to Sam and Rebekah Johnson in Gillespie County, Texas. He was raised in the small secluded town of Johnson City, without the luxuries of electricity or running water. His father, Sam, was active in politics, and served a few terms in the state House of Representatives. Johnson would overhear the political conversations of his father, which may have begun to prepare him for his future career in politics. From the time he was very young it was clear that he was very bright. At 15, Johnson finished High School, but didn’t have much ambition to continue his education, despite pressure from his parents. Instead, he ran away to California for about a year, and did odd…show more content…
His salary was $3,900 a year, which was great considering it was during the Great Depression. He sent money to his struggling family in Texas. By 1932 he was running Kleberg’s office, and was very efficient, but a little demanding and controlling. Eventually Johnson began to influence Kleberg’s political decisions. Kleberg wasn’t a big supporter of President Roosevelt’s “New Deal”, but Johnson convinced him to vote for some things. In 1934, on a visit home to Texas, Lyndon met Claudia “Lady Bird” Taylor, and they instantly fell in love. He actually asked her to marry him only a day after they met, and almost scared her away. She thought he was joking, but he knew they were perfect for each other. Within three months, they were married. By the end of 1934 Johnson had realized he wanted to be a congressman, so he briefly perused a law degree, thinking it would help him achieve that goal. He quickly realized he didn’t have the patience for it. A position for Texas state director of the National Youth Administration was available, but President Roosevelt feared Johnson was too young and inexperienced for the position. Johnson organized many recommendations for the position, and Roosevelt finally took a chance on him. As director of the Texas NYA, Johnson ran one of the nation’s best organizations, and of helped thousands of young people go to school and find…show more content…
He feared this would end his political career, so he wanted to find a means for future financial security. He and Lady Bird purchased a radio station, which she ran. Eventually FDR ended the IRS investigation at Johnson’s request. Lady bird continued to maintain the radio station, and it served as an extra income for the Johnsons. At the same time there had been a republican swing in congress. Johnson had to refocus on gaining support for FDR’s “New Deal” to ensure their re-election in 1944. They were successful. FDR won a fourth term as President, and LBJ continued his role in congress. Things were looking good for Johnson by the beginning of 1945. He had a great career, substantial income, and finally Lady Bird had given birth to their first child! They had been trying to have a baby for years now, and had three miscarriages, but in March, 1944, they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby girl. On April 12, 1945 President Roosevelt died of a brain hemorrhage. Johnson was devastated both personally and professionally at this great loss. Up to this point his career had been linked significantly with the success of FDR. He had been loyal to all things FDR, and now was left to reconsider where he was heading politically without

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