Eisenhower: tranquility and crisis, 1952–1960 study guide

Study Guide: Eisenhower's Presidency (1952–1960)

Key Themes

1. Eisenhower's Leadership Style

• Understand Eisenhower's personality and how it influenced his policies.
• Explore the concept of 'dynamic conservatism' and its implications for governance.

1. Economic Developments

• Examine the factors contributing to the economic growth of the 1950s.
• Discuss the impact of consumerism on American society and culture.

1. Cold War Dynamics

• Analyze the superpower rivalry with the USSR and key events that defined this period.
• Evaluate Eisenhower's responses to crises in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

1. Civil Rights Movement

• Investigate the emergence of the Civil Rights Movement and its significance.
• Assess the roles of political parties and government responses to civil rights issues.

Study Tips

• Create timelines of major events to visualize the chronology of Eisenhower's presidency.
• Compare and contrast Eisenhower's policies with those of his predecessors and successors.
• Engage with primary sources to gain insights into the public sentiment of the era.