Texan Lyndon B. Johnson became president when John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. In 1964 American voters showed their approval by electing Johnson to a second term as president. During Johnson's administration, Congress passed many laws promoting education and civil rights. Johnson also faced much turmoil during his administrations. The Vietnam War raged, and two prominent national leaders—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy—were assassinated.
Minorities Rise to Power In 1966 Barbara Jordan of Houston became the first African American elected to the state senate since Reconstruction ended. In 1972 she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Through the efforts of people like Jordan and another Texan named James Farmer, unofficial segregation ended in Texas by the late 1970s. Barbara Jordan also inspired other Texas women to enter politics.
Many Mexican Americans in the 1960s and 1970s found renewed pride in their Mexican roots and formed organizations to end discriminatory policies. Henry B. González was the first Mexican American from Texas elected to the U.S. Congress. There was increased interest in art and literature that reflected Mexican American experiences.
The Texas Economy Texas experienced economic growth during the 1960s and 1970s. Agricultural productivity rose due to increased mechanization, irrigation, and fertilizers. Cattle and poultry were raised in huge feedlots. High oil prices in the 1970s stimulated the drilling of more oil wells, and Texans traveled throughout the world because their petroleum skills were in demand. In addition, many new construction projects signaled that Texas was confident in the future. The Astrodome in Houston and the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio were but two buildings that revealed Texas's technology and progress.
Along with progress, however, came pollution. Environmental concerns arose over the massive feedlots and petrochemical plants. The Houston Ship Channel was badly polluted. Steps were taken at both the state and federal levels to clean up Texas's air, water, and land.
