Eisenhower

Definition

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States, serving from 1953 to 1961, and is known for his leadership during a pivotal time in American history, especially regarding civil rights and school desegregation. His administration played a crucial role in enforcing the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, particularly highlighted by the events surrounding the Little Rock Nine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eisenhower was hesitant to fully endorse civil rights legislation but took decisive action when it came to enforcing desegregation, particularly during the Little Rock crisis.
2. In September 1957, Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to ensure that the Little Rock Nine could safely attend Central High School after Governor Orval Faubus ordered the National Guard to block their entry.
3. Eisenhower's actions at Little Rock marked a significant moment in federal intervention in state affairs regarding civil rights and education.
4. His administration promoted a policy of 'dynamic conservatism' which aimed to balance fiscal conservatism with support for social justice, albeit often cautiously.
5. Eisenhower's legacy in civil rights is mixed; while he enforced desegregation, he was also criticized for not being more proactive in promoting comprehensive civil rights legislation during his presidency.

Review Questions

• How did Eisenhower's response to the Little Rock crisis illustrate his approach to civil rights during his presidency?
  • Eisenhower's response to the Little Rock crisis demonstrated his commitment to enforcing federal laws regarding desegregation while also reflecting his cautious approach to civil rights issues. By sending federal troops to protect the Little Rock Nine, he acted decisively to uphold the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. However, his reluctance to push for broader civil rights legislation showcased his ambivalence towards fully embracing the civil rights movement.
• Evaluate how Eisenhower's administration balanced between state rights and federal intervention regarding school desegregation.
  • Eisenhower's administration navigated a complex landscape where state rights often clashed with federal mandates on civil rights. While he respected state sovereignty, he recognized that states like Arkansas were defying federal law by resisting school desegregation. His decision to send troops indicated a willingness to override state authority when necessary to protect the rights of African American students, signaling a shift towards greater federal involvement in civil rights enforcement.
• Analyze the implications of Eisenhower's policies on school desegregation for the broader Civil Rights Movement and future legislative actions.
  • Eisenhower's policies on school desegregation had significant implications for the broader Civil Rights Movement and future legislation. By intervening at Little Rock, he set a precedent for federal involvement in civil rights matters, empowering activists and organizations advocating for change. However, his cautious approach also highlighted the limitations of presidential leadership in advancing civil rights. This duality influenced future civil rights leaders and set the stage for more robust legislative actions in subsequent administrations, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Related terms

Brown v. Board of Education: A landmark 1954 Supreme Court case that ruled racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, setting the stage for desegregation efforts across the nation.

Little Rock Nine: A group of nine African American students who enrolled at Little Rock Central High School in 1957, becoming a focal point in the struggle for school integration in the United States.

Civil Rights Movement: A social movement in the United States aimed at ending racial discrimination and promoting equal rights for African Americans, gaining momentum during the 1950s and 1960s.