Dwight Eisenhower as One of Americas Greatest Presidents - Essay Example

In 1944-1945, as the leader of the Western Front, Dwight Eisenhower managed to successfully invade and occupy Germany and France. In 1951, he was appointed as the first military supreme leader of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. He also served as the Chief of Staff, under the Harry Truman presidency.

Dwight Eisenhower entered the United States political arena in 1952, to counter the threats that came from communist Korea. He also engaged in politics to counter the non-interventionist policies that were drafted by Senator Robert Taft. During his first year of presidency, Eisenhower managed to sponsor a coup in Iran. This led to the overthrow of Mohammad Mosadegh. This was after the Iranian government nationalized its oil reserves, which were mostly controlled by British and American companies. On this basis, nationalization of the oil reserves would have impacted negatively on American interests.

One of the greatest achievements of Dwight Eisenhower was to convince China to stop the 1950 to 1953 war that was between South Korea and North Korea. South Korea was supported by United Nations, while North Korea was supported by China. North Korea practiced communism as a system of governance. In this war, under the auspices of the United Nations, the United States of America contributed more than 80% of the troops that operated in South Korea. To end the war, Eisenhower threatened China with a nuclear attack. China reluctantly withdrew its support to North Korea, and the war ended.

Another accomplishment made by Dwight Eisenhower is that he managed to maintain peace, despite threats of the emergence of war with the Soviet Union, Korea, and Hungary. This is because he pursued a policy of nuclear deterrence, which was aimed at reducing the amount of money spent on conventional warfare, as well as developing inexpensive nuclear arms. This policy of deterrence was aimed at putting pressure on the Soviet Union to reduce its nuclear activities and anti-American policies. Eisenhower also managed to protect the Chinese nationals, who were under the oppressive communist regime. On this basis, he managed to convince Congress to protect Taiwan against the Chinese invasion. For instance, in 1955, Dwight Eisenhower managed to convince the United States Congress to pass the FORMOSA resolution.

The resolution gave the American president to have the authority to protect the Island of Taiwan, and those of the West Pacific which were under the jurisdiction of China. This is in case the Chinese government attempted to attack them. This policy was aimed at minimizing the spread of communism that was being advocated by the People’s Republic of China. In 1956, Dwight Eisenhower managed to convince Israel, France, and the United Kingdom to end their occupation of Egypt, and in 1958, he supported the Lebanese government during a revolution instigated by Nasser, the president of Egypt. This is by sending 15,000 troops to support the government and crush the rebellion.

The purpose of this commission was to hear cases of civil rights abuse and issues about voting rights. Though the laws were not as strong as he had anticipated, the bill set a precedent for the rise of civil rights groups in the United States of America. He also managed to convince Congress into signing the 1956 act of the Federal Aid Highway. This bill enabled the Federal Government to build and develop an Interstate Highway system. This was to secure American cities and citizens from the threats that the cold war posed. Eisenhower believed that if America was attacked, big cities would be the target. For efficiency in evacuation, they were to design the American highway systems in a manner that it would be easier for the American military to use them, and maneuver.

In conclusion, Dwight Eisenhower is considered one of America’s greatest presidents, and the first president to be constitutionally prevented from seeking a third term. This is because of the ratification of the 22nd Amendment of the United States Constitution which placed term limits on the presidency. He was also the first president to be protected by the former president's act, and because of this act, he was entitled to a monthly pension and a detailed security service. John F Kennedy succeeded Eisenhower as the President, but this was after stiff competition with Richard Nixon. Read More