Eisenhower Years

Who was Ike’s Opponent in the 1952 presidential election?

• Adlai E. Stevenson of Illinois

• A liberal intellectual

• “Egghead”

• From what we learned yesterday, what was another significant factor going against Stevenson?

Ike’s Campaign.• Organized and efficient

• Speeches full of platitudes– We’re going to “clean up

the mess in Washington”

• Promised to end Korean War

• “We Like Ike”

Describe Eisenhower’s style of management.• Consensus decision making

– Based on group (cabinet) decisions, not just his own

• Delegated – Ike only focused on big picture issues– Left the details and execution to others

• Admired Business Principles– Corporate execs appointed to key posts– Somewhat laissez-faire

• Privatization– Tried to turn government control of

TVA to private business– Atomic Energy Act of 1954

• Allowed private companies to operate nuclear power plants

Describe Ike’s Second Term.

Describe Ike’s Second Term.• Still well-liked• Democrats regained control of Congress

(’56)• Launched Explorer I (1/31/58)

– 4 months after Sputnik• Created National Aeronautics and Space

Administration (NASA)• National Highway Act (’56)

– Supported by oil, automobile, rubber manufacturers & other common people

– Costs $80 billion • Extended Social Security and

Unemployment insurance• Increased minimum wage (.75 to $1)• Suffered heart attack and stroke

The “Checkers” Speech

• Richard M. Nixon

• React to his delivery

http://www.c-span.org/PresidentialSurvey/presidential-

leadership-survey.aspx