Mark Atwood Lawrence, a history professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of works on the Vietnam War, shares his insights on Lyndon B. Johnson's tumultuous presidency. They explore Johnson's remarkable legislative achievements, including the Voting Rights and Civil Rights Acts, juxtaposed with the disintegration of his public support due to the Vietnam War. Lawrence delves into Johnson's persuasive skills and evolving views on civil rights, while illuminating the complex legacy that shifted perceptions during and after his time in office.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
LBJ's Humble Beginnings
LBJ's upbringing in Texas hill country was marked by poverty and hardship, yet his family had some advantages.
His father's political career exposed him to a wider world beyond their small town.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Formative Teaching Experience
As a student, LBJ taught at a Mexican-American school, experiencing poverty and racial discrimination firsthand.
This experience shaped his sympathy for marginalized communities.
insights INSIGHT
New Deal Influence
LBJ came of age during the New Deal era, influencing his political views.
His experience during the Depression shaped his approach to governance and social programs.
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The End of Ambition: The United States and the Third World in the Vietnam War
The End of Ambition: The United States and the Third World in the Vietnam War
The United States and the Third World in the Vietnam Era
Mark Atwood Lawrence
Mark Atwood Lawrence's "The End of Ambition" delves into the complexities of the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, specifically examining its relationship with the Third World. The book analyzes the strategic and political decisions made during the conflict, highlighting the interplay between domestic and international factors. It explores the shifting ambitions and priorities of the US government, revealing the underlying motivations behind its actions in Vietnam. Lawrence's work offers a nuanced perspective on the war, challenging conventional narratives and providing a deeper understanding of its historical context. The book's analysis of the war's impact on the Third World is particularly insightful, shedding light on the lasting consequences of US intervention.
The Vietnam War, A Concise International History
The Vietnam War, A Concise International History
Mark Atwood Lawrence
Born in poverty in Texas Hill Country, President Johnson delivered an unsurpassed series of legislation, including the Voting Rights Act and Civil Rights Act. Yet by 1968 he was so toxically unpopular that he decided against running again.
Don's guest today (for the second time in a row!) is Mark Atwood Lawrence.
Mark is Professor of History at the University of Texas at Austin and author of ‘The Vietnam War: A Concise International History’, ‘Assuming the Burden: Europe and the American Commitment to War in Vietnam’ and ‘The End of Ambition: The United States and the Third World in the Vietnam Era’.
Produced by Freddy Chick. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.
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