The Eisenhower Years 1952-1960

Election of 1952 “I Like Ike”—Dwight D. Eisenhower runs for President Richard Nixon as running mate Democrats run Adlai Stevenson as candidate Ike won with pledge to “Go to Korea” 55% pop. Vote and 442-89 in electoral college

Domestic Policies Modern Republicanism: balanced budget, maintained New Deal Programs, raised minimum wage, built public housing, increased Social Security, established Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Interstate Highway System Highest standard of living in world 1956 election: greater margin than ‘52 election but Democrats gain control of Congress.

Eisenhower and the Cold War Secretary of State: John Foster Dulles-aggressive policy, hardline toward Communism (“Brinkmanship”) Massive retaliation Constantly creating new and better weapons. Eisenhower refused to use nuclear weapons in various skirmishes that emerged during this period.

Decolonization Between 1947-1962, dozens of colonies in Africa & Asia gained independence from former colonial powers (Britain, France, Netherlands) Asia: India & Pakistan in 1947, Indonesia in 1949 Africa: Ghana in 1957, followed by many others These countries lacked stable economic & political institutionsbecame pawns in the Cold War

Foreign Policy Covert Action v. direct use of troops Less expensive and less objectionable CIA supported coups in Iran (1953) and Guatemala (1954) Supported assassinations of leaders such as Fidel Castro Long-term damage in relations with Latin America and Iran

Cold War in Asia Korean Armistice in 1953 but still no peace treaty Fall of IndochinaCambodia, Laos, and Vietnam Division of Vietnam at 17th parallel, promise of free elections (never happen) ‘55-’61, US gives $1 billion in aid to S. Vietnam Domino Theory SEATO-Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (regional defense pact). Agreement to defend one another in an attack. 1954. US, GB, France, Australia, NZ, Philippines, Thailand, & Pakistan.

The Middle East Suez Crisis-July (1956) Britain, France, Israel and Egypt Eisenhower Doctrine-1957, offered economic and military aid to any Middle Eastern country threatened by Communism. OPEC & Oil (1960) Arab nations of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran join Venezuela and form Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

U.S. and Soviet Relations Geneva “Spirit of Geneva”-first thaw in Cold War Hungarian Revolt (Oct. 1956) Hungarians overthrow Moscow backed govt but defeated by Soviet tanks. Sputnik (1957)-Two Soviet satellites launched in spacepush for greater math and Science education in US. Second Berlin Crisis U-2 Incident

Cuba and Eisenhower’s Legacy Fidel Castro overthrows dictator in Cuba Establishes a Communist regime Ike authorizes the CIA to train anticommunist Cuban exiles to retake their islandBay of Pigs carried out under Kennedy Legacy: Checks Soviet aggression, begins to relax tensions, suspends above-ground testing of nuclear weapons, warns against Military- Industrial Complex.

The Civil Rights Movement Origins 1947: Jackie Robinson breaks color barrier in baseball 1948: Truman desegregates armed forces But: society still segregated , poll taxes, literacy tests, and the grandfather clause are still in use. Changing demographics: Great migration and shift to democratic party Changing Cold War attitudes How can we claim freedom and liberty when not everyone in US gets it?

Major Events Brown v. Board decision  separate is inherently unequal, desegregation of schools, Decision was unanimous. (1954) Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955) Rosa Parks, MLK Jr. end of segregation on buses. Federal Laws: Civil Rights Act of 1957: created a permanent Civil Rights Commission Civil Rights Act of 1960: Justice department given new powers to protect voting rights of black.

Non-Violence and MLK Jr. Civil Disobedience and non-violent protest: sit-ins, boycotts, marches Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)

Immigration Issues Bans on Asian immigration are lifted. Puerto Ricans can enter country w/o restrictions Mexicans can come under contract via Bracero program or would come illegally. Operation Wetback Discrimination and exploitation

Popular Culture Consumerism and Conformity Television Rock n’ Roll and Teen Culture Advertising Women’s Roles Social Critics: Beatniks  predecessors of youth rebellion of the ‘60s.