The Encyclopedia of Presidents offers authoritative biographies of each president since 1789, when George Washington was first sworn in. The stories of these key figures and historic events paint a full and lively picture of our nation. Each biography includes color illustrations, a timeline, boxed features on events and people of special interest, and lively text introducing the featured president and the times in which he lived. Texan Lyndon B. Johnson was the most powerful man in Congress in 1960, when John F. Kennedy chose him to run for vice president. Johnson was admired and feared for his effective but overbearing use of power. In November 1963, he became president when President Kennedy was assassinated, and he was elected to a full term in 1964. A champion of civil rights for African Americans, Johnson passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He originated Head Start and other programs to improve educational and economic opportunities for the poor. His successes were overshadowed by the growing war in Vietnam. He increased the number of U.S. troops there and ordered heavy bombing of enemy territories. As resistance to the war grew, Johnson's popularity declined. He announced in March 1968 that he would not run for another term. In January 1969, he left office, replaced by Republican Richard Nixon.

Hill Country striver -- Young man in Washington -- Road to the White House -- Presidential whirlwind -- War at home and abroad -- Return to the ranch.