Eisenhower and his domestic achievements Flashcards
What did critics at the time accuse Eisenhower of?
Being far too conservative, a do-nothing president who spent his time playing golf. He also seemed to show little sympathy for civil rights.
What was Eisenhower accused of representing?
Big business, especially as his cabinet was composed mainly of millionaire businessmen, three of whom had worked in the car industry.
What do historians more positive towards Eisenhower argue?
He chose an able team, delegated well and had a good record as a mediator. He worked well with a Congress which, for most of his presidency, was controlled by the Democrats.
What was ‘dynamic conservatism’?
Eisenhower stating he was ‘conservative when it comes to money and liberal when it comes to human beings’.
What was Eisenhower determined to do with the federal government?
He was determined, and succeeded in, decreasing the role of federal government. E.g. he ended wage and price controls and reduced farm subsidies.
However, what did Eisenhower accept the federal government should have some responsibility for?
The welfare of its citizens and that it should promote economic growth.
What did Eisenhower continue from his predecessors (FDR and Truman)?
Most of the New Deal and Fair Deal programmes - he strengthened the Social Security programme, increased the minimum wage and created the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
What did Eisenhower create in 1956?
The Interstate Highway System, the single largest public works programme in US history, which would construct 41,000 miles of roads across the country.
What else was huge sums of money spent on?
Completing the St Lawrence Seaway, linking the Great Lakes with the Atlantic.
