How did Lyndon Johnson alter southern politics? What was it about his being a Texan that influenced him in these actions?
How were Texas’ borders created? What is the history of its distinctive shape?
We'll be glad to check your answers.
For the borders, they were set from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Compromise of 1850 right? I know its border followed the Rio Grande but I don't know much more
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas
To understand how Lyndon Johnson altered southern politics and the influence his Texan background had on his actions, we need to delve into the history of southern politics and the unique characteristics of Texas.
1. Altering Southern Politics:
Lyndon B. Johnson, as the 36th President of the United States from 1963 to 1969, played a significant role in transforming southern politics. One of his most notable accomplishments was the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These landmark legislations aimed to address racial discrimination and secure voting rights for African Americans. By advocating for and signing these acts into law, Johnson helped dismantle the Jim Crow system of segregation and made significant strides toward equality in the South.
Furthermore, Johnson's Great Society programs, which aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice, included initiatives such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the War on Poverty. These programs benefited millions of Americans, particularly those in the southern states, by providing them with increased access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
2. Influence of Being a Texan:
Johnson's Texan background played a crucial role in shaping his approach to politics and policies. Texas has a unique political history, grounded in both conservative values and a legacy of Democratic dominance. As a Texan, Johnson was intimately familiar with the complex sociopolitical dynamics of the South, and he understood the importance of balancing the demands of conservative constituents with the need for progressive change.
Being from Texas also afforded Johnson an advantageous position in implementing his political agenda. Texas was a large and influential state, with a substantial number of electoral votes, and Johnson leveraged his connections and understanding of local politics to garner support for his policies. Moreover, Johnson's experience as a Senator and his tenure as Vice President under John F. Kennedy provided him with the political acumen and relationships necessary to navigate the intricate landscape of southern politics.
Now, let's address the history of Texas' borders and its distinctive shape:
The borders of Texas were established through a series of historical events and negotiations:
1. The Spanish Empire: In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers began to claim parts of what is now Texas. However, their influence was limited to a few missions and settlements along the borderlands.
2. Mexican Rule: Texas became part of Mexico in the early 19th century after it gained independence from Spain. During this period, American settlers began migrating to Texas, primarily for economic opportunities, such as farming and ranching. However, tensions between the Mexican government and American settlers eventually led to the Texas Revolution in 1836.
3. Republic of Texas: Following the Texas Revolution, Texas declared itself an independent republic. Its borders were established by the Treaties of Velasco, which recognized the republic's sovereignty but left the specifics of its boundaries somewhat ambiguous.
4. Annexation into the United States: Texas was annexed by the United States in 1845, which triggered a border dispute with Mexico. The dispute escalated into the Mexican-American War, during which Mexico ceded large territories, including present-day Texas, to the United States under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.
The distinctive shape of Texas is a result of historical factors and border negotiations. The state's boundaries were defined by various treaties, land acquisitions, and conflicts over time. Texas's elongated, rectangular shape is partly a product of the natural geography of the region, as well as historical events that determined its borders.
By understanding the historical context and the unique characteristics of Texas, we gain insights into how Lyndon Johnson, as a Texan, influenced southern politics and shaped the course of American history.