Dwight D. Eisenhower

Eisenhower represents to many the most shining example of the American success story: a man of humble beginnings who through hard work, dedication and perseverance becomes a five star general in the army and then president. He is a popular, only occasionally polarizing, visionary leader whose views and policies sometimes seem to clash with each other, and his influence is felt even today. He is a grandfather-like figure who is seen by the average American as the man who won the war for the U.S. in Europe by masterminding the invasion of Normandy. In 1948 he is summoned by both major parties to become their candidate for President, but declines, taking the job as President of Columbia University instead.   In early 1952, fearing the party is moving towards isolationism, powerful Republicans put forward a “Draft Eisenhower” initiative, and Ike heeds the call. He has a straightforward, basic message to his country, stating he will be the antithesis of his predecessor, and deal strongly with “Korea, Communism and Corruption.” Ike preaches “Modern Republicanism”: preserving personal freedoms, leaving the market economy alone, but providing assistance to senior citizens and those who lose their jobs. He defeats Texas Senator Robert Taft for the nomination and goes on to steamroll Adlai Stevenson from Illinois by 442–89 Electoral College votes for the White House. He is 62 and is the oldest man at the time to win a first term since James Buchanan in 1856.  

Interstate Highways

Eisenhower had a firsthand look at the Autobahn in Germany during the war, and saw its usefulness. He envisions the superhighway as a way of moving military personnel and hardware across the country in case of invasion by hostile forces, especially the dreaded communists. In 1956 under the Federal Highway Act thousands of jobs are created for people to build these massive stretches of asphalt and metal throughout the nation.  

Hawaii and Alaska

In 1959 America incorporates Alaska on January 3 and Hawaii on August 21 as states. Both offer strong strategic positions in the Cold War.  

Ike’s Goodbye—Beware the Military-Industrial Complex

On January 17, 1961, Ike bids America farewell from his office of the president with a now famous speech: "We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex… The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist... Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together."   Upon leaving public office he is once again commissioned as a five-star general. Although his health is only fair, he continues playing his beloved game of golf and keeping abreast of world politics. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy brings him to the White House as a special advisor. Dwight D. Eisenhower passes away on March 28, 1969 at Walter Reed Hospital from congenital heart failure at age 78 after a lifetime of service to his beloved country.