Birth and Childhood

Dwight D. Eisenhower was born on October 14, 1890, in Denison, Texas and raised in Abilene, Kansas

Military Education and Achievements

Graduation from West Point

Eisenhower graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1915

Strategic Acumen in World War II

Eisenhower's leadership as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II earned him national acclaim

Post-War Military Career

After the war, Eisenhower served as Army Chief of Staff and was appointed the first Supreme Commander of NATO

Modern Republicanism

Eisenhower's domestic policy aimed to balance the free market and limited government involvement

Economic Prosperity and Social Programs

Economic Growth and Suburban Living

The 1950s saw a rise in personal income and suburban living under Eisenhower's policies

Social Programs and Poverty

Despite efforts to raise the minimum wage and expand Social Security, poverty remained a significant issue during Eisenhower's presidency

Civil Rights Progress

Civil Rights Legislation

The Civil Rights Act of 1957 and 1960 were passed under Eisenhower's administration, providing federal protection for African American voting rights

Desegregation of Schools

Eisenhower upheld the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education by federalizing the Arkansas National Guard and sending in troops to enforce desegregation at Little Rock Central High School

Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956

Eisenhower's administration passed this act, leading to the creation of the Interstate Highway System and revolutionizing American transportation and commerce

St. Lawrence Seaway

Completed in 1959, this partnership with Canada opened the Great Lakes to ocean-going ships, enhancing North American trade

"New Look" Strategy

Eisenhower's foreign policy aimed to contain communism while maintaining fiscal responsibility

Korean War and Global Alliances

Armistice in the Korean War

Eisenhower's administration brought an end to the Korean War through a combination of military pressure and diplomatic negotiations

Formation of SEATO

The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization was formed under Eisenhower's government, providing support to anti-communist regimes in the region

Interventions and the Cold War

CIA Involvement in Iran and Guatemala

The CIA orchestrated coups in Iran and Guatemala to support pro-Western governments and prevent nationalization of industries with U.S. investments

Eisenhower Doctrine

This policy declared U.S. readiness to assist any nation resisting communist aggression, as demonstrated by the 1958 intervention in Lebanon