The Eisenhower Period (1953 to 1961)

The Eisenhower Period (1953 to 1961) The eight years presidency of Dwight David Eisenhower from 1953 to 1961 is considered by some Americans as a quiet era as there was contentment, peace and plenty. However, Cold War still persisted, race tension reached its peak, and technological advancements in form of media brought aggressive advertisers that changed the lifestyle of the people drastically. Besides, he made a significant breakthrough in the field of atomic research when he made a public statement on the use of nuclear power for peace at a speech at the United Nations conference. Thereby he put forward the proposal for an international atomic energy agency and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. During this period, there was advancement in science and technology. In 1958, American Express issued the first credit cards which changed Americans way of spending and saving. In the field of computers, the invention of picture phone and the microchip brought about changes that aided future developments. In the area of space technology, America started the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to keep in pace with Soviet Union which had launched the Sputnik into space. In 1958, the US also created NASA and launched its first satellite, The Explorer into space. In world affairs, the relations with Soviet Union became sour by the Warsaw Pact of 1955 that increased Soviet Union's political and military control over Eastern Europe. Fidel Castro led a communist revolution in Cuba and became the country's leader in 1959. During his tenure, the first American theme park Disneyland at South California opens to the public in 1955.. At the domestic front, the construction of the Interstate Highway System in 1956 was the biggest achievement during his tenure which improved mobility, transport and defense capabilities. With regard to Civil Rights, President Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act 1957, after the Rosa Park's episode and a year long bus boycott in Montgomery organized by the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr .This became the first major civil rights legislation since the post-Civil War era. In 1957, with regard top public education, it was during Eisenhower presidency the Supreme Court passed an Enforcement Decree that called for all states schools to desegregate as soon as possible as racial segregation was unconstitutional by law. In the field of education, President Eisenhower passed the National Defense Education Act, which encouraged college students and young people to enter teaching careers by extending loans to them. At the national level, Eisenhower made it possible to bring African-Americans into high positions of public service. For instance, Ernest Wilkins was the Assistant Secretary of Labor in 1953, and E. Frederick Morrow became an administrative assistant in the executive offices of the President He being the 34th President of America did make landmark achievements that made most Americans feel that the future was secured, safe and prosperous.