Welcome to Part Thirty-Three. It’s time for the president who oversaw the last two states joining the Union, the president who saw the start of the Space Race. Let’s dive into the administration of Dwight D. Eisenhower:
First inauguration- 20th January 1953
Dwight D. Eisenhower was inaugurated for the first time on this day. He was sworn in on the East Portico of the US Capitol by Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson. His inaugural address clocked in at 2,446 words and was generally positive- ‘To produce this unity, to meet the challenge of our time, destiny has laid upon our country the responsibility of the free world’s leadership.’ There were cloudy skies and the temperature at noon clocked in at 49F/9C. Two inaugural balls were held, the first at the National Guard Armory and the second at Georgetown University.
Death of Joseph Stalin- 5th March 1953
Joseph Stalin died on this day, immortalised in the fantastic Death of Stalin. Stalin had initially been an ally of America, but later became an enemy, never a friend. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles released a message of condolence, but Eisenhower did not formally comment. Stalin’s death left a power vacuum that saw a scramble for the leadership, one eventually won by Nikita Khrushchev.
Signing of the Korean War Armistice- 27th July 1953
The Korean War Armistice was signed on this day. The United Nations was represented by two American generals, the North Koreans by Kim Il Sung and one of his leading generals, and the Chinese by one of theirs. Though the armistice paused war, it never actually ended it, meaning the conflict between the North and South technically continues. The US remains a major presence in South Korea, with a number of military bases and troops stationed there.
Earl Warren becomes Chief Justice of the Supreme Court- 5th October 1953
Earl Warren became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on this day. Warren as a former Governor of California and running mate on the failed 1948 Republican ticket. Over fifteen years, Warren oversaw some of the most famous and influential Supreme Court cases in history, such as Brown v. Board and Loving v. Virginia. He also headed up the Warren Commission, which studied the Kennedy assassination. Eisenhower later regretted choosing Warren, stating it was ‘the biggest damn-fool mistake I ever made.’
Brown v Board is decided- 17th May 1954
The landmark Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka was decided by the Supreme Court on this day. In a unanimous 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court struck down Plessy v. Ferguson, and the ‘separate but equal’ ideology regarding segregation. The court case came from Topeka resident Oliver Brown, whose daughter was forced to travel farther to a black school. He joined a number of other families in bringing it to court. Whilst it desegregated schools under the law, this wasn’t the case in practice, and some schools remained segregated into the 70s.
‘Have you no sense of decency?’- 9th June 1954
Senator Joseph McCarthy was riding high during the Red Wave. His fervent attacks on Communism in American society became known as ‘McCarthyism,’ and whilst he had his supporters, many who sympathised felt he was going too far. Whilst Eisenhower didn’t condemn McCarthy publicly, he did covertly use TV cameras in the Senate to broadcast him so that people saw the true man. On the 9th June 1954, the army was being represented by Joseph Nye Welch. The pair got into a fierce debate and finally, after being infuriated by McCarthy, Welch cried ‘Have you no decency? Sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?’ The gallery began cheering and applauding, and a recess was called. This was the beginning of the end for McCarthy. He was condemned and censured by the Senate, and even subject to a recall attempt. McCarthy quietly continued his Senate duties until his death on the 2nd May 1957. He remains one of the most infamous American politicians.
Polio vaccine is announced as safe- 12th April 1955
The polio vaccine was announced as safe on this day. Jonas Salk had worked on it for nearly a decade and after numerous tests, it was declared as safe. The vaccine was received positively by nearly all, especially as so many had seen the devastation of polio. Polio has been eradicated from most countries, especially in the West, though it remains a problem in some.
Lynching of Emmett Till- 28th August 1955
14 year-old Emmett Till was lynched on this day in one of the most shocking events of the Civil Rights era. The Chicago native was in Mississippi visiting relatives when white store worker Carolyn Bryant alleged that Till had touched and harassed her, though she admitted years later that most of it was fabricated. Whatever was said or done, Bryant told her husband what happened. In the early morning on the 28th August, Till was abducted from where he was staying. He was beaten and shot, before being thrown in the river. His mutilated corpse was found three days later. Till’s mother insisted on an open casket, and news reports showed the ghastly image across the United States. Roy Bryant and J. W. Millam were found not guilty by an all-white jury. Protected by double jeopardy, they later admitted to the crime. Till’s murder was a turning point in the Civil Rights movement, with Rosa Parks admitting that it was the catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Millam died in 1980, Roy Bryant died in 1994 and Carol Bryant died in 2023. Till’s mother continued her activism and died in 2003, buried next to her son.
Has a massive heart attack- 24th September 1955
Dwight D. Eisenhower had a massive heart attack on this day. He woke up with chest pains. His doctor initially misdiagnosed indigestion (as had the doctors of Warren G. Harding) but an ECG confirmed a heart episode. This was upgraded to a heart attack when he arrived in hospital. Eisenhower spent six weeks recovering at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Centre. Unlike previous presidents, Eisenhower was unusually open with the public about his condition. Eisenhower’s health was generally good for most of his presidency, but this was the first of seven heart attacks and a stroke.
Rosa Parks is arrested- 1st December 1955
Rosa Parks was arrested on this day, kickstarting the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The married secretary boarded a bus after leaving work. When white passengers boarded, black passengers were required to give them their seats. Rosa refused. The driver, James F. Blake, called the police and had her arrested. This immediately caused a sensation. A pregnant teenager named Claudette Colvin had previously refused to give up her seat, but Mrs. Parks was seen as more respectable. Some have claimed the event was staged, but others argue it was less planned, despite discussions by the NSPCC. After Parks was bailed, a boycott was announced. Black citizens in Montgomery walked, took taxis or carpooled. After a year, buses were desegregated.
President Nasser of Egypt nationalises the Suez Canal- 16th July 1956
President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal on this day. The Suez Canal had been owned by European shareholders since its completion in 1869, but Nasser nationalised it, to the shock of the West and delight of the Arab nations. The British, French and Israelis worked together to begin military operations against Egypt. Eisenhower was angered by their actions and pressured the coalition to stop. This worked. The British were furious, and it’s believed that this was one of the sparks that led to the decolonisation that soon followed. Nasser became a hero in the Arab world.
Wins reelection- 6th November 1956
Eisenhower won reelection on this day. It was a rematch of 1952, with Adlai Stevenson II as his Democratic rival. Eisenhower won in an effective landslide, remaining popular due to a strong economy, his success in the Suez and high personal ratings. He flipped three states, including Louisiana in a first for any Republican since Reconstruction. He also lost Missouri in a surprise gain for the Democrats, though it was incredibly close.
Second public inauguration- 21st January 1957
Eisenhower was publicly inaugurated for the second time on this day. As the 20th was a Sunday, it was done privately, then happened publicly on the Monday. It was once again held on the East Portico of the Capitol Building, and he was sworn in by Earl Warren. Eisenhower’s second inaugural speech clocked in at 1,655 words and was generally positive in tone- ‘Splendid as can be the blessings of such a peace, high will be its cost: in toil patiently sustained, in help honorably given, in sacrifice calmly borne.’ The day saw light snow in the morning and flurries in the afternoon, with the noon temperature 44F/7C. Four inaugural balls were held.
Signs Executive Order 10730-24th September 1957
Eisenhower signed Executive Order 10730 on this day, sending federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas. On the 4th September, a group of black teenagers, known as the ‘Little Rock Nine,’ were sent to Little Rock Central High to desegregate the school. Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus sent the Arkansas National Guard in to stop this. Eisenhower was furious at Faubus’ rejection of federal law, and thus sent in federal troops to escort the students later in the month. It worked, but the students faced racism and intimidation. In retaliation, Faubus closed the schools the next year.
Launch of Sputnik- 4th October 1957
Sputnik was launched on this day. The satellite, only the size of a beach ball, was the first successful attempt to launch an artificial satellite by any country. The USA was caught by surprise, whilst the Soviets were buoyed at their success. Sputnik started the Space Race.
Establishes NASA- 29th July 1958
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, more commonly known as NASA, was established by the titular act on this day. It was a response to the Soviet success of Sputnik. NASA successfully placed a man on the moon in 1969 and has overseen a number of other successful launches over the years, as well as some tragic failures.
Alaska is admitted to the Union- 3rd January 1959
Alaska was admitted to the Union on this day. It had been purchased from the Russians in 1867, had been a department until 1884 and a territory since.
Hawaii is admitted to the Union- 21st August 1959
Hawaii was admitted to the Union on this day. It is the fiftieth and most recent state as of writing. It had been a territory since 1900.
Woolworth’s Sit In begins- 1st February 1960
The Woolworth’s Sit In Began on this day. In Greensboro, North Carolina, the counters at Woolworth stores were segregated. Four college students came up with the plan themselves. They refused to leave when told to. As the days went by, more and more protestors joined them. It spread to more cities, even as they were harassed by opposition. Woolworth stores were slowly desegregated, and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was formed from the event.
Begins plans to invade Cuba- 17th March 1960
Eisenhower began plans to invade Cuba on this day. The Cuban Revolution has ousted Fulgencio Batista and installed young lawyer Fidel Castro to power. America viewed the new government with suspicion and outright hostility. The CIA put forward plans to Eisenhower, who agreed, and authorised the training of Cuban exiles. This would become the Bay of Pigs invasion- more of that next time.
U-2 spy plane shot down- 1st May 1960
On this day, an American U-2 spy plane was shot down by Soviet forces. Pilot Francis Powers managed to bail out and was captured after failing to kill himself. Believing him dead, the Americans began to cover up the incident, claiming it was an accident. Eventually Khrushchev gleefully revealed that the plane had been shot down, and that Powers was alive in Soviet custody. Eisenhower was horrified and upset by the news, whilst Khrushchev was thrilled to have got one over on the Americans. Powers was sentenced to a decade inside, but was released in a prison swap two years later. He died in a helicopter crash in 1977.
First televised presidential debate- 26th September 1960
The first televised presidential debate happened on this date. Vice President Richard Nixon was the Republican candidate whilst Senator John F. Kennedy was representing the Democrats. Nixon was at a disadvantage, having been injured by a car door, having a staph infection and suffering from the flu during the debate. The Kennedy campaign tricked him into not having makeup done by claiming the senator wasn’t, even though he was. A popular story states that television viewers said that Kennedy won, whilst radio viewers proclaimed Nixon the winner. Despite their success, there were no more televised debates until 1976.
Severs diplomatic relations with Cuba- 3rd January 1961
Eisenhower severed diplomatic relations with Cuba on this day after numerous inflammatory events. America and Cuba have been cold since then. Relations were reestablished by Barack Obama in 2015, but have decreased since. Cuba is classed as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
Farewell Address- 17th January 1961
Eisenhower delivered his farewell address on this day. In it, he famously warned of the military-industrial complex- ‘In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.’
Leaves office- 20th January 1961
Eisenhower handed the keys to the Oval Office over to John F. Kennedy on this day. The two disliked one another, with Eisenhower calling Kennedy ‘Little Boy Blue’ and mispronouncing his name, whilst Kennedy called Eisenhower ‘that old asshole.’ Mamie Eisenhower had been similarly cruel to Jacqueline Kennedy. All that appeared swept under the carpet on the day. Eisenhower and his wife moved to Pennsylvania, the first home they’d owned together. He remained active in politics, supporting Republican candidates. After he failed to support Nixon properly in 1960, he was more enthusiastic in 1968. This was probably helped by the fact that his grandson David married Nixon’s daughter Julie that year. The Eisenhowers were unfortunately unable to attend the wedding due to illness. Spending most of 1968 onward hospitalised, Eisenhower was clearly dying by the time of Nixon’s first inauguration. Dwight D. Eisenhower died of heart failure on the 28th March 1969, aged seventy-eight. He is buried on the grounds of his presidential library and museum in Abilene, Kansas. Wife Mamie joined him upon her death a decade later. Eisenhower is typically highly regarded as both president and military leader by the public and historians.
That’s it for Dwight D. Eisenhower! Tune in next week for John F. Kennedy, in which we’ll see him deal with Cuba, Russia and Texas.
