Why Did L.B.J. Sign the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
On July 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law, marking a pivotal moment in American history. The act prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public accommodations, employment, and education. But why did L.B.J. sign this landmark legislation?
The Context
To understand why L.B.J. signed the Civil Rights Act, it is essential to consider the historical context in which it was passed. The 1950s and early 1960s were marked by significant civil rights activism, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Little Rock Nine, and the Freedom Riders. These events highlighted the deep-seated racial injustices and segregation that still plagued American society.
In 1963, a series of high-profile assassinations, including the killing of civil rights leader Medgar Evers, the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, further galvanized the civil rights movement. As a result, Congress and the White House were forced to confront the issue of racial inequality.
L.B.J.’s Pre-Presidency
Before becoming President, Lyndon B. Johnson was a strong supporter of civil rights. As a senator from Texas, he had co-sponsored the 1957 Civil Rights Act and was a key negotiator of the 1960 Civil Rights Act. Johnson believed that the issue of racial inequality was essential to American democracy and was committed to addressing it.
Johnson’s Presidency
When John F. Kennedy was assassinated, Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as the 36th President of the United States. Johnson inherited a presidency that was struggling to cope with the fallout from Kennedy’s assassination, as well as the growing civil rights movement. Johnson’s immediate priority was to pass a civil rights bill, as he believed it was essential to maintaining the country’s moral and democratic integrity.
The Bill’s Origins
The Civil Rights Act was first introduced in Congress in 1963, but it failed to pass due to a filibuster by Southern Democrats. The bill was reintroduced in 1964, with significant changes, including the addition of anti-discrimination provisions in public accommodations and employment.
The Turning Point
The turning point came in March 1964, when the bill was sent to the House of Representatives for debate. The House was divided along party lines, with the majority of Democrats supporting the bill and most Republicans opposing it. Johnson knew that he needed to persuade the House to pass the bill, and he used every tool at his disposal to do so.
The President’s Personal Intervention
On March 15, 1964, Johnson called a meeting with House members to persuade them to pass the bill. He personally intervened, meeting with skeptical lawmakers, answering questions, and making the case for the bill’s importance. Johnson’s efforts paid off, as the House voted 290-130 to pass the bill.
The Senate
The Senate was a more challenging environment, as many Southern Senators were opposed to the bill. Johnson used his charm and persuasion to win over key Senators, including Eastland of Mississippi and Dirksen of Illinois. Johnson also used the power of the presidency to pressure Senate leaders, threatening to remove the filibuster rule that allowed Senators to delay debate.
The Final Push
In the final push, Johnson personally lobbied Senators, making numerous phone calls and meeting with key lawmakers. He also used the White House’s communications machinery to mobilize public support, with thousands of Americans contacting their Senators in support of the bill.
The Bill’s Passage
On June 19, 1964, the Senate passed the bill 73-27. The House of Representatives quickly followed suit, passing the bill 289-121. On July 2, 1964, Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law, surrounded by civil rights leaders, lawmakers, and members of his administration.
Key Provisions
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 contained several key provisions:
- Title II: Public Accommodations – Prohibited discrimination in public accommodations, such as restaurants, hotels, and theaters.
- Title III: Voter Registration – Authorized the Attorney General to file lawsuits to enjoin the use of polling taxes and literacy tests in voting.
- Title IV: Desegregation of Public Facilities – Mandated the desegregation of public facilities, including schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.
- Title V: Anti-Bias Employment Provisions – Prohibited employment discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or national origin.
Conclusion
Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for several reasons. Firstly, he believed that the issue of racial inequality was essential to American democracy and that the bill was a critical step towards addressing it. Secondly, Johnson knew that the bill was a necessary response to the growing civil rights movement and the increasing demands for racial equality. Finally, Johnson understood that the bill was a key aspect of his presidential legacy, and he was determined to pass it despite the formidable opposition he faced.
Timeline
- 1963: The Civil Rights Act is introduced in Congress, but fails to pass due to a filibuster by Southern Democrats.
- March 1964: The bill is reintroduced in the House of Representatives, with significant changes, including the addition of anti-discrimination provisions in public accommodations and employment.
- March 15, 1964: Johnson meets with House members to persuade them to pass the bill.
- June 19, 1964: The Senate passes the bill 73-27.
- June 20, 1964: The House of Representatives passes the bill 289-121.
- July 2, 1964: Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act into law.
Significance
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation that transformed American society. It prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to enforce these provisions. The act also authorized the Attorney General to file lawsuits to enjoin the use of polling taxes and literacy tests in voting.
In conclusion, Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 because he believed that it was essential to maintaining the country’s moral and democratic integrity. He recognized the growing demands for racial equality and knew that the bill was a critical step towards addressing these demands. Johnson’s leadership and persuasion played a key role in the bill’s passage, and his legacy as a champion of civil rights has endured for generations.
