The Implications of JFK's Assassination on Lyndon B. Johnson's Presidency

Would Lyndon B. Johnson have become president if John F. Kennedy had not been assassinated in 1963? Probably not, given the political landscape of the time and the historical context.

Political Landscape and Johnson's Position

Johnson served as Vice President under Kennedy and was a highly experienced and influential figure within the Democratic party. If Kennedy had completed his term and sought re-election in 1964, it is possible that Johnson would have remained in a powerful position. However, his path to the presidency would have been significantly affected by Kennedy's political standing and the outcome of the Democratic primaries.

1964 Election and Johnson's Chances

Had Kennedy not been assassinated, it is likely that he would have run for re-election in 1964, thereby diminishing Johnson's prospects of becoming president that year. Instead, Johnson won the presidency in 1964 largely due to the sympathy and support generated by Kennedy's assassination. This event essentially paved the way for Johnson's rise to the presidency and allowed him to pursue his agenda in the wake of Kennedy's death.

Legacy and Influence of Johnson's Presidency

Johnson's presidency is often viewed through the lens of his Great Society programs and civil rights legislation, which were deeply influenced by the political climate following Kennedy's assassination. Without that context, the policies Johnson championed and the legacy of his presidency might have looked very different. Kennedy's death reshaped the political landscape, providing Johnson with an opportunity to lead the nation through a period of significant change and reform.

Conclusion

In summary, while Johnson was a prominent political figure with the potential to become president, the circumstances of Kennedy's presidency and his assassination played a crucial role in shaping Johnson's rise to the presidency. The specific political situation that emerged after Kennedy's death significantly altered the trajectory of Johnson's career and the path to the White House.