Parrish, T. Michael.Nabors, Daniel J.Baylor University. Dept. of History.2009-08-262017-04-072009-08-262017-04-072009-082009-08-26http://hdl.handle.net/2104/5426Includes bibliographical references (p. 110-111).When Lyndon Johnson inherited the presidency from President Kennedy, he attempted to fulfill the social vision JFK left behind, while at the same time harnessing the unique opportunity to institute his own, even further-reaching political agenda. Beginning with the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Johnson manipulated America's affection of Kennedy, as well as the growing influence of Martin Luther King, to rouse Americans' consciences into the acceptance of further Civil Rights legislation, the culmination being the passage of the Voting Rights Act on August 6, 1965. Despite the overflowing sentiment of optimism from Johnson that the tide was turning, five days later the Watts Riots erupted, essentially destroying the naive illusion of social and racial progress. The result was the unveiling of the failure of Johnson’s paternalistic approach to all facets of political life. Instead of LBJ being able to provide easy solutions and fatherly bestowments, Johnson tragically ushered in an era of increasing black militancy and white backlash.iv, 111 p.67958 bytes569322 bytesapplication/pdfapplication/pdfen-USBaylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908-1973.Civil rights movements --- United States -- History -- 20th century.Watts Riot, Los Angeles, Calif., 1965.United States -- Politics and government -- 1963-1969.United States -- Voting Rights Act of 1965.ThesisWorldwide access