Cold War Leader Biography: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Successful military leadership of the Allied forces in Western Europe during World War II contributed to development of a popular image of Dwight David Eisenhower to such extent that he was later elected the President of the United States two times. His enormous political success was unique, as it was based first of all upon his personality and not purely political activities. His outstanding personal features secured respect and affection of the voters for him, supported him on his way through the Cold War confrontations with Soviet power in the world, leading his country to prosperity. Eisenhower was not a battlefield general, neither did he master military tactics, but he managed to become one of the greatest American leaders due to his unique ability to bring harmony into the relations of the diverse groups and create smoothly functioning and effective coalitions.

Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in October, 1890 in Denison, Texas and died in March, 1969 in Washington D.C. He was the 34th president of the United States. He was the supreme commander of the Allied forces in Western Europe during World War II. Eisenhower was born in the family of David Jacob and Ida Elizabeth Eisenhower and was the third of their seven sons. The family was poor and all the children had to work from their early years. Dwight was interested in sports and did not like studies. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1909 and worked for more than a year in order to provide support for college education of his brother. (Reeves 2018) Then he entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point New York. He was commissioned a second lieutenant and was sent to San Antonio in Texas. There he married Mamie Geneva Doud and the couple had two sons, one of whom died of scarlet fever. During World War I Eisenhower was the commander of a tank training center, received the promotion to captain and was awarded with the Distinguished Service Medal. Between the years 1922 and 1924 he was sent to the Panama Canal Zone and there he met Brig. Gen. Fox Conner, who had a great influence upon him. 

Upon graduation from the Army Way College, Eisenhower was sent to France. When Germany invaded Poland, he returned to the United States and in 1941 he became a full colonel. Then he was made the chief of staff of the Third Army. America entered World War II in December 1941 and Eisenhower was appointed by Marshall to the army’s plans division in Washington D.C., where his task was to work out the strategy for an Allied invasion of Europe. After the position of a brigadier general Eisenhower obtained the post of major general in 1942. Rapid development of military career of Eisenhower was possible thanks to his unique talent for organization and ability to persuade, as well as his talent to develop relations with other people. Individuals were mostly impressed by his optimism, humility and friendly attitudes, which forced them to accept him positively and develop trust.

Already in 1943 Eisenhower was mentioned as potential presidential candidate for the first time. His strong points were his experience in military sphere and his personal qualities. In 1952 he took the decision to retire from the army and launched his election campaign. His friendly attitudes, his sincerity and openness, his middle-class pastimes were the factors, which contributed to his success. One of his promises was to visit Korea with the aim to end the Korean War. Later, he kept his promise and visited Korea before his inauguration. Most probably the fact of death of Joseph Stalin along with hints upon using nuclear weapons, helped Eisenhower in his negotiating a truce in the Korean War in 1953. (Reeves 2018)

Due to the problems with health, there were a lot of doubts regarding Eisenhower’s ability to serve his second term as president. However, he managed to recover quickly and again his personal popularity and attraction helped him to win. The election campaign was not easy because if the crisis in the Middle East and Egypt’s seizure of the Suez Canal. Then Egypt was attacked by Great Britain and France, whereas the country received support from the Soviet Union and Israel.

Starting from 1959 Eisenhower played an important role in formation of the American foreign policy. This period was called the era of “the new Eisenhower”. He regularly traveled to other countries and participated in television conferences. He wanted to improve relations with the Soviet Union and he invited Premier Nikita Khrushchev to visit America. They had a number of private talks. But in May 1960 a U-2 reconnaissance plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers of America was shot down over the Soviet Union, Khrushchev cancelled his invitation to the Soviet Union for Eisenhower. Eisenhower acknowledged that the flights took place for four years and took the responsibility for the matter.

Overall, Dwight D. Eisenhower is till the moment considered one of the outstanding presidents of the United States. The reasons of his popularity were most luckily related to his personality, his abilities to negotiate and build relations, his desire to establish peaceful and efficient relations between countries of the world. (Hanft 2011) When leaving his office, Eisenhower gave his Farewell Address and he claimed that it is not correct to rise and power the military-industrial complex: “Disarmament, with mutual honor and confidence, is a continuing imperative. Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose. Because this need is so sharp and apparent I confess that I lay down my official responsibilities in this field with a definite sense of disappointment.” (Hanft 2011) Such lines contribute to imagining of Eisenhower, as wise and intelligent leader of the country, taking care of his people and their prosperity, having profound understanding of the needs of people and ways to regulate inside and outside relations.

Works cited:

Eisenhower, Susan . 50 Years Later, We’re Still Ignoring Ike’s Warning. The Washington Post, 2011

Hanft, Adam. “50th Anniversary of Eisenhower’s ‘Military-Industry Complex’ Speech; Still Shocking on Many Levels”. The Huffington Post, 2011

Reeves, Thomas C. Dwight D. Eisenhower president of United States, 2018

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
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[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]
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