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Lyndon B. Johnson was born on August 27, 1908 on a farm near Stonewall, Texas as the oldest of five children.
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Johnson grew up in a family that encouraged politics and public affairs. Johnson's mother encouraged his ambition and sense of striving. In 1913, the Johnson family moved to Johnson City, where Johnson went to school. He graduated from high school in 1924. In 1927 he entered Texas State University (called Southwest Texas State Teachers College back then), where he earned his B.A. degree in 1930.
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Johnson was a director of the National Youth Administration from 1935 to 1937. In 1937, Johnson entered as a congressman who supported Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal. He spent 11 years in the House and worked together with Sam Rayburn. In 1941 he attempted to run for the Senate from Texas but was narrowly defeated.
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Johnson was a lieutenant commander of the navy during World War 2, but he left since President Roosevelt wanted congressman to remain in Washington. In 1948, Johnson attempted once again to run for Texas Senate. This time, he made it. In 1953 he was chosen to by minority leader. Johnson won a second term in 1954. In 1955 he became majority leader.
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A while later, in 1960, Johnson attempted to run for both presidency and reelection to the Senate. Despite this, his bid for the White House failed, and he settled for being John F. Kennedy's vice president.
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Johnson became the 36th President of the United States after John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas in 1963.
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After the JFK assassination, Johnson swore to carry out Kennedy's proposals for civil rights reform. Only July 2, 1964, Johnson signed the famous Civil Rights Act during a nationally televised ceremony at the White House. Fun fact: Johnson used over 75 pens to sign the historic bill, and later gave those pens away as mementos.
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The Civil Rights Act prohibited racial discrimination in employment and education, and outlawed segregation in public places. Plus, the bill laid important foundation for several other pieces of legislation, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965.