Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency from 1953-1961 was a period of significant change in the United States. It saw the end of the Korean War, the enforcement of desegregation, the establishment of NASA, and the creation of the Interstate Highway System. His administration also dealt with Civil Rights legislation and Cold War foreign policy challenges, including interventions in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
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Dwight D. Eisenhower, a highly esteemed World War II general, was elected as the 34th President of the United States in 1952, marking a shift in political power
Despite no prior personal relationship, Eisenhower involved Nixon in policy discussions and considered replacing him in 1956
Eisenhower's election ended two decades of Democratic control and led to significant events and policies, such as the Korean Armistice Agreement and the "New Look" defense policy
The Eisenhower Administration saw the end of the Korean War, the prioritization of nuclear deterrence and covert operations, and the creation of NASA and ARPA
Eisenhower enforced desegregation in the military and federal employment, reluctantly supported the Brown v. Board of Education decision, and maintained economic prosperity and fiscal responsibility
The Eisenhower Administration's passage of this act initiated the construction of the Interstate Highway System, which had both positive and negative impacts on American infrastructure
While Eisenhower's approach to Civil Rights was cautious, his administration introduced the first federal civil rights legislation since Reconstruction and took action to enforce desegregation
The Cold War heavily influenced Eisenhower's foreign policy, leading to covert operations and military intervention in the Middle East and setting the stage for increased American involvement in Vietnam