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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Putting on the Brakes
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Putting on the Brakes

Artifact ID1966.64.76
Artist (United States)
Publisher ()
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 12 3/4 in x W 10 5/8 in (32.4 cm x 27 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ rides a motorcycle ("U.S. Economy") past a sign ("Slow Down Inflation Ahead"). The man on the back of his motorcycle ("Federal Reserve Board") digs his heels into the road to try to slow the cycle down. Caption reads: "Putting on the Brakes". Artist signature lower right: "Crook".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: "Mr. President A little foot dragging - Ken Crook".
Historical NoteWhen Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1964 Revenue Act that decreased income taxes and refused to raise taxes, spending by consumers and businesses increased. Along with government spending, all of this increase of demand led to inflation. In December 1965, William McChesney Martin, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, raised the discount rate, but Johnson resisted it until spring 1968.
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
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)
Person Referenced Willam McChesney Martin (United States, 1906 - 1998)
Not on view
Place of Publication