Please Describe the economic, social, and political changes in Texas during the Great Depression (including new deal measures), WWII, and the early Cold War (including the Red Scare). Include Congressman and Senator LBJ's goals and actions during these decades.
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What you ask volumes have been written on. You question is just to broad.
During the Great Depression in the 1930s, Texas, like the rest of the United States, experienced significant economic, social, and political changes. The state's economy suffered from a decline in industries such as oil, cotton, and agriculture, leading to high levels of unemployment and poverty. The Great Depression also had a substantial impact on social life in Texas, as many families struggled to make ends meet.
In response to the economic crisis, the federal government implemented several New Deal measures to stimulate the economy and provide relief to those affected. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) were two prominent programs that aimed to create employment opportunities and improve the state's infrastructure. Through these initiatives, thousands of Texans were employed in various construction projects, including public buildings, roads, and parks.
During World War II, Texas experienced a significant shift in its economy, with a surge in military-related industries and a subsequent increase in employment. The state's manufacturing sector, particularly in cities like Houston and Dallas, expanded to meet the demands of war production. Additionally, the establishment of military bases throughout the state brought in a large influx of both military personnel and government investment.
Politically, the war era had a profound impact on Texas. As a supporter of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies, Congressman and later Senator Lyndon B. Johnson played a crucial role in pushing for legislation to combat poverty and stimulate economic growth. Johnson was also instrumental in securing government contracts for Texas-based industries, which helped fuel the state's economic expansion during the war.
The early Cold War era in Texas was marked by a climate of suspicion and fear generated by the Red Scare, a period of intense anti-communist sentiment. McCarthyism, named after Senator Joseph McCarthy, was a political movement that sought to identify and eliminate communist sympathizers. Texas, like the rest of the country, experienced an increase in investigations, accusations, and blacklisting of individuals and organizations suspected of communist ties.
Lyndon B. Johnson, during this time, faced pressure to align himself with the anti-communist rhetoric. As a leading Democrat in Congress, he carefully navigated the political landscape by positioning himself as a staunch anti-communist while also maintaining his support for the New Deal measures and progressive policies.
To sum up, during the Great Depression, Texas faced economic hardships that were mitigated by New Deal programs. The state saw economic growth during World War II, thanks to military industries and government contracts. The early Cold War era led to a climate of fear and suspicion, with the Red Scare impacting Texas. Through these decades, Lyndon B. Johnson worked to support policies that alleviated poverty, stimulated economic growth, and navigated the political challenges of the time.