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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
No Time for a Monkey-Wrench in the Works---
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

No Time for a Monkey-Wrench in the Works---

Artifact ID1973.309.1
Object Type Cartoon Print
Artist (1910 - 1985)
Medium Paper
DimensionsOverall H 12 1/2 in x W 9 1/2 in (31.8 cm x 24.1 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionPrint reproduction of cartoon drawing. Uncle Sam watches gears (““U.S. policy on Vietnam, Red China issues” and “Anti-Communist policy”) as a wrench (“Sen. Fulbright”) stops them from turning. Caption: “No time for a monkey-wrench in the works.” Artist signature lower right: “Knox Nashville Banner”.
Historical NoteJ. William Fulbright was a Democratic senator from Arkansas. He was the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and supported detente policies. He became one of the loudest critics of the Johnson administration’s Vietnam policy. In 1964, China detonated its first atomic bomb, leading to a third power to rival the other two. US officials continued to refuse to recognize the People’s Republic of China in favor of Taiwan and did not allow the PRC on the UN Security Council. The US government also ensured that it would not want a war with China, but remained steadfast in its position on Vietnam. During the 1960s, China supported revolutionary groups around the world against colonial and conservative governments. This made the United States government nervous about Domino Theory. 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 and over 1967, there were 500,000 American troops in Vietnam.
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
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 J. William Fulbright (American, 1905 - 1995)
Not on view
Place of Publication