Introduction
This essay will examine the role of Presidents Johnson and Eisenhower in advancing civil rights for African Americans between 1957 and 1968. While Johnson's legislative achievements were significant, arguing he did "more" than any other president requires a nuanced analysis considering the crucial groundwork laid by Eisenhower.

Paragraph 1: Johnson's Achievements - The Civil Rights Act of 1964
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This Act prohibited segregation in public places, banned employment discrimination, and ended unequal application of voter registration requirements. This went significantly further than the initial proposals by President Kennedy before his assassination, demonstrating Johnson's personal commitment to the cause. Johnson strategically utilized his political prowess, building crucial alliances and navigating complex Congressional processes to push the Act through despite fierce opposition, particularly from Southern Democrats. The impact of the Civil Rights Act was immediate and significant. It led to the desegregation of schools and public facilities, opened up job opportunities for African Americans, and helped to dismantle the Jim Crow system in the South.

Paragraph 2: The Importance of Eisenhower's Legacy
While Johnson's legislative victory was undeniably significant, it was built upon the foundation laid by President Eisenhower. The landmark Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, challenging the long-held practices of segregation across the United States. When the state of Arkansas defied this ruling in 1957, with the Little Rock Nine crisis, Eisenhower took decisive action. He federalized the Arkansas National Guard and sent in paratroopers to ensure the Black students could safely attend the previously all-white Little Rock Central High School. This forceful intervention sent a powerful message: the federal government would enforce desegregation even in the face of staunch Southern resistance. Eisenhower's actions, while less focused on sweeping legislative change, marked a turning point in the fight for civil rights. His willingness to use federal power challenged the status quo and began to shift public opinion, which likely made Johnson's later legislative efforts more palatable to the nation.

Paragraph 3: Beyond Legislation - Comparing Approaches and Contexts
Johnson's commitment to civil rights extended beyond the 1964 Act, with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 being another significant achievement. This legislation aimed to overcome legal barriers, like literacy tests and poll taxes, that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote. However, it's essential to acknowledge the different approaches and contexts each president faced. Johnson was more publicly vocal in his support for civil rights, using his powerful oratory skills to champion the cause. Eisenhower, in contrast, adopted a less confrontational approach, prioritizing gradual change and working behind the scenes. This difference in style should not overshadow the impact of Eisenhower's actions, which paved the way for Johnson's more progressive agenda. It's also important to recognize the limitations of both presidencies in fully addressing the deeply entrenched issue of racial inequality. While significant progress was made, the struggle for equal rights continued, and many challenges remained.

Conclusion
While President Johnson's Civil Rights Act of 1964 undoubtedly stands as a momentous achievement in the fight for African American civil rights, it's crucial to avoid simplifying a complex historical process. President Eisenhower's courageous and decisive actions during the Little Rock Nine crisis marked a pivotal shift, signaling the federal government's commitment to enforcing desegregation and laying the groundwork for future progress. Both presidents, through their different approaches and operating within their respective contexts, played crucial, interconnected roles in advancing civil rights. Attributing "more" credit to one over the other risks overlooking the complex interplay of events and actions that drove this significant period of social change in American history.