August, 1963 — From his office within Mount Weather, President Johnson issues an
executive order making segregation on racial or religious grounds illegal in the United
States. The order, intended to assist rebuilding efforts and increase available manpower,
instead alienates his conservative political base.
To counter his loss of support, Johnson announces his intention to hold the 1964 elections
on schedule. As a first step before the election, he will convene the 88th Congress on
January 1 at a location to be determined. The move is enormously popular with the
American public, which is struggling through an unseasonably cold year.