Who was John Connally? A prominent figure in American politics, John Connally served as the 39th Governor of Texas from 1963 to 1969 and later as the United States Secretary of the Treasury under President Richard Nixon from 1971 to 1972.

Born in Floresville, Texas, on February 27, 1917, Connally graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and went on to serve in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he entered politics and was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1949.

Connally's political career was marked by both success and controversy. As governor, he oversaw a period of significant economic growth and progress in Texas. However, he also faced criticism for his handling of the 1966 University of Texas tower shooting, in which a gunman killed 14 people and injured dozens more.

Despite the controversy, Connally remained a popular figure in Texas politics. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1972 and served until 1977. After leaving the Senate, Connally continued to be active in politics and business. He died in Houston, Texas, on June 15, 1993.

Connally's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a successful politician who oversaw a period of significant growth and progress in Texas. However, he was also a controversial figure who faced criticism for his handling of the University of Texas tower shooting.

John Connally

John Connally was a prominent figure in American politics, serving as the 39th Governor of Texas and the United States Secretary of the Treasury. His career was marked by both success and controversy. Key aspects of his life and career include:

Politician: Connally was a successful politician who held high-ranking positions in both state and federal government.
Governor: As governor of Texas, he oversaw a period of significant economic growth and progress.
Treasury Secretary: Connally served as Secretary of the Treasury under President Richard Nixon.
Controversy: Connally's handling of the University of Texas tower shooting drew criticism.
Legacy: Connally's legacy is complex and multifaceted, marked by both success and controversy.

Connally's political career was marked by both success and controversy. He was a successful governor who oversaw a period of significant growth and progress in Texas. However, he also faced criticism for his handling of the University of Texas tower shooting. Despite the controversy, Connally remained a popular figure in Texas politics. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1972 and served until 1977. After leaving the Senate, Connally continued to be active in politics and business. He died in Houston, Texas, on June 15, 1993.

1. Politician

John Connally's career in politics was marked by both success and controversy. He held high-ranking positions in both state and federal government, including Governor of Texas and United States Secretary of the Treasury.

Governor of Texas
Connally served as Governor of Texas from 1963 to 1969. During his tenure, he oversaw a period of significant economic growth and progress in the state. He also implemented a number of reforms, including the creation of the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Education Agency.
United States Secretary of the Treasury
Connally served as Secretary of the Treasury under President Richard Nixon from 1971 to 1972. During his tenure, he oversaw the implementation of a number of economic policies, including the creation of the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 and the devaluation of the dollar.

Connally's success in politics was due in part to his ability to connect with voters and his strong leadership skills. He was also a skilled negotiator and was able to build consensus on a number of important issues.

2. Governor

John Connally's tenure as governor of Texas was marked by a period of significant economic growth and progress. He implemented a number of policies that helped to create a favorable business climate in the state, including tax cuts, deregulation, and the creation of new economic development programs.

Tax cuts
Connally implemented a number of tax cuts during his time as governor. These tax cuts helped to stimulate economic growth by increasing the amount of money available to businesses and individuals.
Deregulation
Connally also deregulated a number of industries in Texas. This deregulation helped to reduce the cost of doing business in the state and made it more attractive to businesses.
Economic development programs
Connally created a number of new economic development programs during his time as governor. These programs provided financial assistance to businesses and helped to create jobs.

Connally's policies helped to create a favorable business climate in Texas, which led to a period of significant economic growth and progress. The state's economy grew at a faster rate than the national economy during Connally's tenure as governor, and the state's unemployment rate fell.

3. Treasury Secretary

John Connally's tenure as Secretary of the Treasury was a significant period in his career. He oversaw the implementation of a number of important economic policies, including the creation of the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 and the devaluation of the dollar.

Economic Stabilization Act of 1970
The Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 was a major piece of legislation that gave the President broad authority to control prices, wages, and rents. Connally was responsible for implementing this legislation, which was designed to combat inflation.
Devaluation of the dollar
In 1971, Connally oversaw the devaluation of the dollar. This was a controversial decision, but it helped to improve the U.S. trade deficit.
Other economic policies
In addition to the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 and the devaluation of the dollar, Connally also oversaw the implementation of a number of other economic policies. These policies included tax cuts, deregulation, and the creation of new economic development programs.

Connally's tenure as Secretary of the Treasury was a significant period in his career. He oversaw the implementation of a number of important economic policies that had a major impact on the U.S. economy.

4. Controversy

John Connally's handling of the University of Texas tower shooting was a major controversy during his governorship. On August 1, 1966, a gunman named Charles Whitman climbed to the observation deck of the University of Texas Tower and opened fire on the campus below. Whitman killed 14 people and injured 31 others before he was shot and killed by police.

Connally was criticized for his handling of the shooting. Some critics accused him of not doing enough to prevent the shooting, while others criticized his decision to order the police to shoot Whitman. Connally defended his actions, saying that he had done everything he could to prevent the shooting and that he had ordered the police to shoot Whitman only after it became clear that he was a threat to the lives of others.

The controversy over Connally's handling of the tower shooting had a significant impact on his political career. He was defeated in his bid for re-election in 1968, and he never held elected office again.

The University of Texas tower shooting was a tragedy that had a profound impact on the lives of many people. Connally's handling of the shooting remains a controversial issue, but it is important to remember that he was a complex figure who made a number of important contributions to the state of Texas.

5. Legacy

John Connally was a complex and controversial figure. He was a successful politician who held high-ranking positions in both state and federal government. He oversaw a period of significant economic growth and progress in Texas as governor and implemented important economic policies as Secretary of the Treasury. However, he also faced criticism for his handling of the University of Texas tower shooting.

Connally's legacy is marked by both his successes and his failures. He was a skilled politician who was able to connect with voters and build consensus. He was also a strong leader who was not afraid to make tough decisions. However, he was also a polarizing figure who was often criticized for his arrogance and ambition.

Despite his flaws, Connally made significant contributions to the state of Texas and the United States. He was a key figure in the development of the modern Republican Party in Texas, and he played a major role in shaping the state's economic policies. He also served with distinction as Secretary of the Treasury under President Richard Nixon. Connally's legacy is complex and multifaceted, but there is no doubt that he was a major figure in American politics.

FAQs about John Connally

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about John Connally, a prominent figure in American politics who served as the 39th Governor of Texas and the United States Secretary of the Treasury.

Question 1: What were John Connally's major accomplishments as Governor of Texas?

As Governor of Texas from 1963 to 1969, John Connally oversaw a period of significant economic growth and progress in the state. He implemented a number of policies that helped to create a favorable business climate, including tax cuts, deregulation, and the creation of new economic development programs.

Question 2: What was John Connally's role in the Nixon administration?

John Connally served as Secretary of the Treasury under President Richard Nixon from 1971 to 1972. During his tenure, he oversaw the implementation of a number of important economic policies, including the creation of the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 and the devaluation of the dollar.

Question 3: What was the controversy surrounding John Connally's handling of the University of Texas tower shooting?

John Connally's handling of the University of Texas tower shooting in 1966 was a major controversy during his governorship. Some critics accused him of not doing enough to prevent the shooting, while others criticized his decision to order the police to shoot the gunman. Connally defended his actions, but the controversy had a significant impact on his political career.

Question 4: What is John Connally's legacy?

John Connally's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a successful politician who held high-ranking positions in both state and federal government. He oversaw a period of significant economic growth and progress in Texas and implemented important economic policies as Secretary of the Treasury. However, he also faced criticism for his handling of the University of Texas tower shooting. Despite his flaws, Connally made significant contributions to the state of Texas and the United States.

Question 5: What are some of the criticisms of John Connally?

John Connally was a controversial figure who was often criticized for his arrogance and ambition. He was also criticized for his handling of the University of Texas tower shooting. Some critics accused him of not doing enough to prevent the shooting, while others criticized his decision to order the police to shoot the gunman.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about John Connally. For more information, please consult a reliable source such as a biography or an encyclopedia.

Summary: John Connally was a complex and controversial figure who made significant contributions to the state of Texas and the United States. His legacy is marked by both his successes and his failures.

Conclusion

John Connally was a complex and controversial figure who made significant contributions to the state of Texas and the United States. His legacy is marked by both his successes and his failures.

Connally was a successful politician who held high-ranking positions in both state and federal government. He oversaw a period of significant economic growth and progress in Texas as governor and implemented important economic policies as Secretary of the Treasury. However, he also faced criticism for his handling of the University of Texas tower shooting.

Connally's legacy is a reminder that even the most successful people can make mistakes. It is also a reminder that we should all strive to learn from our mistakes and to make a positive contribution to society.