Lyndon B. Johnson made civil rights legislation a priority during his administration. It could be argued that his motivations were personal and moral rather than political. In fact, Johnson knew that his efforts, which ultimately led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, would have damaging repercussions for the Democratic Party.
The force with which the Civil Rights Movement grew through the 1960s was a large factor in dictating the shape of coinciding presidential administrations. John F. Kennedy's administration was ambivalent in advancing civil rights; the president was more focused on foreign policy issues. However, by the time Johnson took office, the Movement was so strong, Johnson almost had no choice. While some accuse him of missteps that hurt the Movement, Johnson's efforts in the White House eventually led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.