Compare kennedy and johnson Free Essay Example, 1000 words

John F. Kennedy  vs. Lyndon B. Johnson John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson are two of the most powerful and influential figures in the history of the United States. They left a mark in the history of the country while serving as the Presidents of the U. S. The distressing assassination of President Kennedy followed by the period of political novelty led by President Johnson made 1960s the most eventful decade of the twentieth century. Lyndon Johnson further expanded the functions of federal government in terms of its duty for the welfare of the American citizens and called it the Great Society. However, the idealism that sprouted up amongst the enthusiastic American youth during 1960s eventually turned into a large rebellion. Thus, the decade, although started with high hopes, ended with the horrors of division and disappointment. A comparison between the policies of President Kennedy and President Johnson reveals the similarities and differences that led to their popularity with t he masses. John F. Kennedy won presidency over Richard Nixon in the year 1960. He assured a new set of domestic reforms called New Frontier for America that would cover reforms not only at home but also the victory in cold war. We will write a custom essay sample on Compare kennedy and johnson or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now However, despite successfully creating his image as an intelligent and energetic leader, he faced legislative failures at the outset of his presidency. On the other hand, he managed to be triumphant in the approval of tariff reductions to promote economic growth in the country. He is mostly remembered for his efforts regarding tax cuts in the economic arena. However, his plans to increase federal aid in the field of education, medical care and urban renewal did not get accomplished. He became the president when the cold war was at its height. Thus, foreign policy initiatives occupy the maximum part of his agenda. John Kennedy succeeded in making himself the central focus of the entire nation and that is quite evident from the reaction of American citizens to his cold blooded murder in 1963. Lyndon Johnson followed John F. Kennedy as the US president. The events leading to the assassination of President Kennedy landed him in the white house. His p residency is marked by the expansion in the roles of federal government. He set to complete the unfinished work of President Kennedy’s New Frontier by constructing his own outstanding reform program which was ultimately called the Great Society. He accumulated the largest reform agenda since the time of Roosevelt’s New Deal.