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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
To B... or Not to B...
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

To B... or Not to B...

Artifact ID1966.64.87
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States)
Gifter
Publisher (founded 1846)
Date ca. January 1966
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 22 1/8 in x W 13 7/8 in (56.2 cm x 35.2 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A profile drawing of LBJ, deep in thought as he holds a bomb ("Aerial Bombing"). Caption reads: "To B... or Not to B...". Artist signature lower right: "Dobbins [artist self-portrait] [in small sign: "That is THE Question"]".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at center left: ""To President Johnson with admiration and confidence and thanks - Jim Dobbins The Boston Herald 1-27-66". Handwritten across top: "Engraver Add Benday Screen to Background as indicated" "Walt - Have Screen at least 40% John". Handwritten across bottom: "Ed Page" "Sun Early 1-30" "102 Lines" "[struckout] Thurs P.M" "[struckout] hold in office" "[struckout] 1-27-66" "54".
Historical NoteIn August 1964, US ships were seemingly attacked in the Gulf of Tonkin, leading to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that allowed President Johnson to take military action. In February 1965, Johnson authorized Operation Rolling Thunder to bomb North Vietnam and in March, 3500 Marines were deployed in Vietnam. Over 1965, President Johnson escalated the conflict to a full-scale war with 175,000 American troops.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson personally, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1970.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Boston
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