General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I never knew LBJ was so crass.... [View all]OldDem2012
(3,526 posts)....LBJ's support, and signing, of the 1964 Civil Rights Act is a case in point. He knew he was going to escalate US involvement in Vietnam and he needed the support of African-Americans for the war.
National Security Action Memorandum 263
This NSAM ordered the withdrawal of 1000 American troops by the end of 1963 as part of his overall plan to withdraw the US from Vietnam during his second term.
National Security Action Memorandum 273
This NSAM was signed on November 26, 1963, four days after JFK was murdered in Dallas. NSAM 273 reversed the actions of JFK's NSAM 263 noted above.
Civil Rights Act of 1964
This legislation was enacted on July 2, 1964.
Johnson's Escalation of Vietnam - A Timeline
In November 1964, there were 15,000 US troops in Vietnam. By the end of 1965, there were 184,000 US troops.