Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Cartoon Print
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Cartoon Print

Artifact ID1973.281.1
Object Type Cartoon Print
Artist (Canada)
Gifter
Publisher ()
Medium Paper
DimensionsOverall H 10 in x W 8 1/4 in (25.4 cm x 21 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionPrint reproduction of cartoon drawing. LBJ hands a bag of money (“Great Society”) to a man. A bullet (“Vietnam”) crashes through the bag, destroying all the money. Artist signature lower right: “Blaine Hamilton Spectator”.
Historical NoteLyndon Johnson’s public image was influenced by both his Great Society domestic policies and involvement in Vietnam. The Johnson Administration submitted 87 bills to Congress, and Johnson signed 84, or 96%, arguably the most successful legislative agenda in US congressional history. However, in 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. Over 1965, President Johnson escalated the conflict to a full-scale war with 175,000 American troops. The Vietnam War cost an estimated $700,000,000 in 1965. All this government spending from the war and Great Society, as well as a tax cut to increase spending by consumers and businesses, led to inflation.
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, until the President donated it to the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library in 1973.
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
Hamilton
Related Links