Eisenhower’s Domestic Policies

Question 1

What kind of political ideology did Eisenhower have?

Answer 1

Eisenhower was a moderate conservative who sought to balance free-market economics with social responsibility.

Question 2

What was Eisenhower’s approach to domestic policy?

Answer 2

‘Dynamic Conservatism’:
- “Conservative when it comes to money, liberal when it comes to human beings.”
- Balanced the budget three times in eight years.
- Continued aspects of the New Deal (Social Security expansion).

Question 3

What was the economic growth under Eisenhower’s monetary policy?

Answer 3

The 1950s saw significant economic prosperity:
- Unemployment below 5%.
- GDP grew by 25%.
- Inflation remained low.

Question 4

What was the Interstate Highway Act?

Answer 4

1956:
- Created 41,000 miles of highways, boosting transport and employment.
- Largest public works project in US history.
- Aimed to improve national security (easier military mobilization).

Question 5

What economic policies did Eisenhower put in place?

Answer 5

• Interstate Highway Act (1956)
• Federal Aid Highway Act led to the rise of suburbs and car ownership.
• Supported big business, but rejected extreme laissez-faire policies.
• Defended the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), despite opposition from conservatives.

Question 6

What were Eisenhower’s social policies?

Answer 6

• Expanded Social Security to cover an additional 10 million Americans.
• Increased the minimum wage from 75 cents to $1 per hour.
• Created the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (1953).
• Promoted science and technology education (especially after the Sputnik launch in 1957).
• $500 million was invested in low-income public housing
• Continued Truman’s free school meal programme

Question 7

Did Eisenhower want to progress civil rights?

Answer 7

Mixed record—did not strongly advocate for civil rights but took key actions

Question 8

What progress did Eisenhower make towards improving civil rights?

Answer 8

• Appointed Earl Warren as Chief Justice, leading to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education (1954) ruling, which overturned racial segregation in schools.
• Sent federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas (1957) to enforce school desegregation (Little Rock Nine).
• Signed the Civil Rights Act of 1957—first civil rights legislation since Reconstruction (established a Civil Rights Commission, though weak in practice).
• Signed the Civil Rights Act of 1960 (aimed at protecting Black voting rights).

Question 9

Was Ike a popular president?

Answer 9

• Approval ratings are often over 70% and always over 50%
• Only 10 of 80 bills he sent to Congress failed- despite the fact there was divided government for all but 2 years of his presidency