Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) was a five-star general in World War II and served as the 34th President of the United States from 1953-1961. A Republican, he presided over postwar prosperity, built the Interstate Highway System, and shaped early Cold War policy.
Eisenhower's presidency stabilized the United States during a period of economic growth and Cold War tension. He prioritized infrastructure and scientific investment, signing the Federal-Aid Highway Act and creating NASA while pursuing containment and cautious diplomacy.
He advanced civil rights enforcement in limited but consequential ways—sending federal troops to enforce desegregation at Little Rock and signing the Civil Rights Act of 1957—and appointed Chief Justice Earl Warren, influencing landmark Supreme Court rulings. His farewell warning about the "military-industrial complex" and the use of covert actions during the Cold War have left a complex and lasting legacy.
Supreme Allied Commander in World War II; Negotiated a Korean War armistice, ending large-scale combat; Created the Interstate Highway System (Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956); Established NASA (1958) and strengthened the U.S. space program; Enforced school desegregation at Little Rock and signed the Civil Rights Act of 1957; Warned of the "military-industrial complex" in his 1961 farewell address
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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Eisenhower federalized the Arkansas National Guard and sent troops to enforce school desegregation.
On September 23, nine African American students attempting to enter Little Rock Central High School were prevented from doing so by the Arkansas National Guard and an angry white crowd, and were forced to withdraw for their safety.
U.S. District Judge Ronald N. Davies issued an order enforcing the 1954 Brown decision and directing that nine African‑American students be admitted to Little Rock Central High School.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act of 1957 into law, the first civil rights legislation passed by Congress since Reconstruction.
On September 4, 1957 Governor Orval Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent nine African American students — later known as the Little Rock Nine — from entering Little Rock Central High School on its opening day.
On March 6, 1957, the Gold Coast became the independent state of Ghana, and the Eisenhower administration formally recognized the new nation and extended U.S. congratulations and diplomatic recognition.
Robert B. Anderson was sworn in as Secretary of the Treasury, succeeding George M. Humphrey.
William P. Rogers was sworn in as Attorney General, replacing Herbert Brownell Jr.
Neil H. McElroy, former Procter & Gamble executive, was sworn in as Secretary of Defense, succeeding Charles E. Wilson.
Richard M. Nixon took the oath of office as Vice President of the United States during the second inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 1957.
On January 20, 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered his second inaugural address upon being sworn in for a second term.
Eisenhower took the presidential oath of office for his second term on January 20, 1957 (with the public inaugural ceremonies held the following day).