Dwight D. Eisenhower

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As president, Eisenhower governed during a formative phase of the Cold War. His administration articulated the "New Look" national security policy, which emphasized nuclear deterrence and strategic airpower over large conventional forces as a way to contain the Soviet Union at sustainable cost. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles publicly framed this posture in terms of "massive retaliation." Eisenhower also expanded the U.S. alliance system, supporting the creation of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) in 1954 and the Baghdad Pact in 1955.

Opponents

His Farewell Address of 17 January 1961 is widely cited for its warning against the influence of a "military-industrial complex," a phrase that has since entered standard IR and political-science vocabulary.

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In January 1957, Eisenhower asked Congress to authorize the Eisenhower Doctrine, committing U.S. economic and military aid to Middle Eastern states threatened by communist aggression.

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Dwight David Eisenhower (1890–1969) served as the 34th President of the United States from January 1953 to January 1961, after a military career that culminated in his role as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II and, later, the first Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) of NATO in 1951–1952.

As president, Eisenhower governed during a formative phase of the Cold War. His administration articulated the "New Look" national security policy, which emphasized nuclear deterrence and strategic airpower over large conventional forces as a way to contain the Soviet Union at sustainable cost. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles publicly framed this posture in terms of "massive retaliation." Eisenhower also expanded the U.S. alliance system, supporting the creation of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) in 1954 and the Baghdad Pact in 1955.

Key foreign-policy episodes of his presidency include the armistice ending active fighting in the Korean War (July 1953), the U.S. response to the Suez Crisis in 1956 (pressuring Britain, France, and Israel to withdraw from Egypt), the Eisenhower Doctrine announced in January 1957 pledging U.S. assistance to Middle Eastern states resisting communism, the 1958 intervention in Lebanon, and the 1960 U-2 incident that scuttled a planned Paris summit with Nikita Khrushchev. He also authorized covert CIA operations, including those in Iran (1953) and Guatemala (1954).

Domestically, Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Acts of 1957 and 1960, sent federal troops to enforce school desegregation in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957, and launched the Interstate Highway System under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. NASA was established under his administration in 1958 following the Soviet launch of Sputnik.

His Farewell Address of 17 January 1961 is widely cited for its warning against the influence of a "military-industrial complex," a phrase that has since entered standard IR and political-science vocabulary.

Frequently asked questions

What was the 'New Look' policy?

Eisenhower's national security strategy that prioritized nuclear deterrence, covert action, and alliances over costly conventional ground forces to contain the Soviet Union.

What is Eisenhower's military-industrial complex warning?

In his 17 January 1961 Farewell Address, he warned Americans to guard against the undue influence of an entrenched arms industry and military establishment on public policy.

Did Eisenhower serve in NATO?

Yes. Before his presidency, he was the first Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), serving in 1951–1952.

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Supporters

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Ask a follow-up about Dwight D. Eisenhower

Frequently asked questions

What was the 'New Look' policy?

What is Eisenhower's military-industrial complex warning?

Did Eisenhower serve in NATO?

Go deeper than the definition

Take Dwight D. Eisenhower beyond the glossary

Frequently asked questions

What was the 'New Look' policy?

What is Eisenhower's military-industrial complex warning?

Did Eisenhower serve in NATO?