President Eisenhower example essay topic
During his first term as president, Eisenhower also gained control of Congress, but by a very small margin. Dwight took office at a rough time. The communist threat was gripping the Americans by the throat. A Cold War was being fought between democratic America and communist Russia. He also had to deal with a situation in communist Vietnam that ended in the casualties of many unnecessary American lives. Terms for nuclear weapons were also mentioned, super bombs were going to be the knife to the Russian throat, but they unexpectedly were very costly.
There was another conflict with Egypt and the Suez Canal. The Egyptians threatened to make the canal national instead of international. This would sever Western Europe from its much needed oil supplies. The U.S. had a problem to settle with the Iranians as well this time over petroleum, this event sparked the Egypt canal closing. The Russian situation also grew worse with the Russian slaughtering of freedom fighting Hungarians, the U.S. couldnt do anything for the Hungarians except take in their refugees. Another fight almost broke out close to home as well.
Communist Cuba was complaining that the U.S. and its hold on Latin America wasnt fair, and since Cuba was communist they were backed b the Russians which meant that the U.S. couldnt do much otherwise it could start a war. East and West Germany set the stage for what could have been World War 3. The East Germans were backed by the Russians and a standoff between the U.S., G.B., and France verse Russia. Ike also had to deal with problems at home, including segregation. There were many violent acts against black Americans during Eisenhower two terms, including the lynching of a 14 year old boy in 1955. Dwight fought for desegregation full heartedly but knew that it wouldnt be easy in the south.
Many more events followed, like Little Rock Arkansas, where the U.S. military had to be called in to escort 9 black high school students through school. The Civil Rights movement was in full swing during the 1950's. President Eisenhower had a lot to deal with during his two terms in office, including being sick in the beginning of his second term. He was accused of relying too much on his advisors instead of doing his job, saying that he was probably out playing golf.
But through all of this President Eisenhower made very good decisions and led the nation through a tough time. As a president, he deserves an above average ranking, he showed good leadership qualities throughout his terms in office and stood strong in the face of communism. He also avoided a war that probably would have destroyed the world as we know it. Ike did his job in office and is worthy enough to be called an above average president.