Lyndon Johnson was the first president to appoint an African American to the Supreme Court when, on June 13, 1967, Johnson named Thurgood Marshall, the great-grandson of a slave, to sit on the highest court in the land. Lyndon Johnson exploited his mastery of the legislative process to shepherd a collection of progressive programs, rivaling those of FDR's New Deal, through Congress with astounding success. However, visions of a Great Society were swallowed up in the quagmire of Vietnam: the unpopular and costly war eroded his political base and left him an exile within his own White House.
Johnson explains his intention not to run for President in 1964.
Telephone Conversation with White House Press Secretary George Reedy
Here's what I think I'm going to say to them. Whatever number of months it is...
44 months ago, I was selected to be the Democratic Vice President. 44 months ago I was elected to be the Democratic Vice President, because I felt I could best serve my country and my party, I left the majority leadership of the Senate to seek the Vice President's post, believing I could unify the country and thus better serve it. In the time given me I did my best. On that fateful November day last year, I accepted the responsibility of the president, asking God's guidance and the help of all of our people. For nine months I've carried on as effectively as I could. Our country faces grave dangers. These dangers must be faced and met by a united people under a leader they do not doubt. After 33 years of political life, most men acquire enemies as ships accumulate barnacles. The time to acquire leadership about which there is no doubt, and a voice that men of all parties and sections and color can follow.
I've learned after trying very hard, that I am not that voice or that leader. Therefore -- and then I'm going to say -- therefore, I suggest that the representatives from all states of this union, selected for the purpose of selecting a democratic nominee, for President and Vice President, proceed to do their duty. And that no consideration be given to me because I am absolutely unavailable.
President Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger initiated a secret diplomatic breakthrough with Mao Tse-tung that shocked and changed the world.
A brilliant scientist, Oppenheimer was tasked with the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.
A civil rights leader in Harlem before entering politics, Powell was one of the most charismatic black leaders of the 20th century.
Eleanor Roosevelt supported the President's New Deal and advocated for civil rights, becoming one of the 20th century's most influential women.
Richard Nixon faced impeachment but also ended the Vietnam War. Part of the award-winning Presidents collection.
This 11-hour series analyzes the costs and consequences of the war that changed a generation and continues to color American thinking today.
The international race to develop biological weapons during the 20th century.
Brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright built a flying machine that made its first flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1903.
