Date of Award
8-1996
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Dr. Robert W. Kaufman
Second Advisor
Dr. Peter Renstrom
Third Advisor
Dr. Chester Rogers
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Lyndon Johnson's decision to place the power of the presidency behind a drive for civil rights of African Americans initiated momentum which by 1994 resulted in a substantial party realignment in the South. First, history; Johnson's personal experience as a Southerner; his knowledge of the political system; his political power, and his political judgement were important elements in making this decision. Secondly, Johnson's considerations in striving for civil rights legislation included: (a) consideration of political difficulties and strategies in framing and in passage of the legislation, (b) his break with Southern Democratic colleagues on civil rights, (c) the pressures which might ensue from Northern liberals if he did not support the civil rights legislation, and (d) support he would lose in the Congress on other legislation if he pressed hard for civil rights legislation. Third, while concerned about re-election and electoral support in the South, Johnson ignored the possibility of party realignment in the South.
Recommended Citation
Warber, Adam L., "Lyndon Johnson, Civil Rights, and Party Realignment in the South" (1996). Masters Theses. 5011.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/5011