Dwight D. Eisenhower
34th President of the United States · 1890–1969
Eisenhower was Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during the Second World War and a two-term Republican president. He pursued containment of the Soviet Union, kept New Deal programs largely intact, built the Interstate Highway System, and warned of a military-industrial complex.
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Estimated from their documented words and actions. A simplification, not a verdict.
Respected state authority in principle but sent federal troops to Little Rock to enforce school desegregation.
A general who accepted civilian rule fully and governed through ordinary democratic institutions.
Pursued Cold War internal security programs, though he was privately hostile to McCarthy's methods.
First NATO commander and a supporter of collective security alliances against the Soviet Union.
Relied on nuclear deterrence but cut defence spending and warned against the military-industrial complex.
Ran the mass deportations of Operation Wetback, while also admitting Hungarian refugees after 1956.
His Modern Republicanism kept Social Security but favoured balanced budgets and private enterprise.
Built the Interstate Highway System yet sought fiscal restraint and limited new programs.
Supported renewing reciprocal trade agreements and freer trade with allies.
Added under God to the Pledge of Allegiance and made In God We Trust the national motto.
Signed the Civil Rights Act of 1957 while remaining cautious and socially conservative.
Created NASA and ARPA and launched the Atoms for Peace program.