Tuesday, April 10, 2012

1950s: The Middle of the American Century (AP)


  1. How does Eisenhower’s political leadership compare with that of other general-presidents: Washington, Jackson, Taylor, and Grant?
  2. Was Eisenhower’s seeming caution and inactivity a lack of vigorous leadership or a wise prudence in the exercise of power?
  3. Was the 1950s a time of American Triumph abroad and affluence at home, or was it a period that actually suppressed many problems of race, women’s roles, and cultural conformity?
  4. Which writers and artists best expressed the concerns of American culture in the 1950s? Was there a connection between the rise of pop-culture figures like Elvis Presley ad Marilyn Monroe and the changes in art and writing (like the Beats and the new southern writers)?

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

2) Eisenhowers caution was a wise prudence in the exercise of power. He was both liberal and conservative. He didn't really have a lack of leadership, for his minimal decisions were beneficial to the people and the economy. Eisenhower balanced the federal budget and guarded America from socialism. An example is when he decided not to interfere with Dienbienphu and economically aided middle eastern nations.

Anonymous said...

Kaci Kelsey by the way

Dani Waite said...

Both. He was cautious and inactive.

Source: http://cstl-cla.semo.edu/renka/ui320-75/presidents/eisenhower/hiddenhand.asp

“Published in 1982 early in the Reagan presidency, Greenstein's thesis is that Eisenhower exercised powers through a distinctive and masterful "hidden hand" political strategy of exercising quiet political actions while posturing as the purely apolitical public figure. Both operations and rhetoric were closely coordinated to this end.”

Source: http://cstl-cla.semo.edu/renka/ui320-75/presidents/eisenhower/hiddenhand.asp

“Eisenhower began on a grand note of triumph, winning easily over Stevenson in 1952 despite the latter's considerable political talents. He ended it on largely down notes, lamenting the 1960 failure of summitry after the U-2 downing in the USSR and bitterly interpreting the 1960 Nixon defeat as a personal repudiation (Ambrose 1984, 603-604). These disappointments reflected real limitations and a sense of lost opportunity.”

Diana Youssef said...

2)I believe Eisenhower was a combination of both a vigorous leader and a wise prudence. Eisenhower reacted cautiously to the beginnings of the civil rights movement but sent troops to Little Rock to enforce court orders for desegregation. His domestic policies were moderately conservative, they left most of the New Deal in place.Also his foreign policies were generally cautious. He avoided military involvement in Vietnam, although aiding Diem, and pressured Britain, France, and Israel to resolve the Suez crisis.

Khadijah Dixon said...

3) Americas during the 1950's was a time when many "taboo" topic's were being spoken of. Meaning that usually women and blacks having euqal rights was something that was always kept secret.But in the 1950's many things were changing. Women were being seen as equals even though blood and sweat went into theses changes they helped america shape it's civil ways of today.

nadirah m said...

Washington had the most problematic of jobs before him. Taylors administration was short, and Grant's two terms in office were disasterous. Jackson was tough and ruthless and gave no quarter to his political enemies and his leadership was unquestionably hard hitting but controversial. Eisenhower was a very affective general during the war but kind of a very average president.

Dao Tang said...

During the 1950’s, it was a period that suppressed many problems of race. Despite Jim Crow Laws in the Deep South, the rest of the nation was beginning to feel ashamed and embarrassed of its past and current racial incidents in which indicates a similarity to Hitler’s racism behavior. Several Americans wanted to put an end to it so therefore the Civil Rights Movement began, which focusses on racial tensions between blacks and whites as its essential topic.

Rebecca Guan said...

1. How does Eisenhower’s political leadership compare with that of other general-presidents: Washington, Jackson, Taylor, and Grant?
I aggree with Nidirah as Washington with the most problematic jobs before him because of him being the 1st president of the United States. He was known for his high standard of character and his commitment to his soldiers’ welfare and discipline. Jackson was strong and aggressive and was noted for his inconsistent and unsuccessful battle to resist market revolution. Taylor subscribed to Whig principles of legislative leadership and acted at times as though he were above parties and politics. Grant's army had no confidence in their fighting ability but he met every test and rose to the occasion. He was a very tough yet very fair man and a great soldier. Eisenhower was a magnificent general during the war but a very average president. He had a dynamic leadership in a complex international environment. In conclusion, these general-presidents carried out wise leadership strategies and are great figures even to this day.

Nikera said...

4. Both critics and femenis Betty Friedan gave voice to what had became of American culture as ms. Friedan expressed her femenist protest during the evr booming entry of female workers. While critics analysised all topics includig religion, sports etc. Another artist who helped change American society/culture is elvis presley as he gyrated his way to the top with concern from parents. As television limited his body to protect children he still set new standards for America. Alog with marilyn monoecious who should that curves can be good which gave great advertisement for playboy. These two people help make sells in products such as electronics go up. So they helped change america rated g ways into a publized pg-13 (public) atmosphere. Nikera

briana pernell said...

The 1950s was a peiord Of suppression. Despite the entry of women into the workforce, the problem of suppression still existed. Blacks were forced into segregation with laws such as Jim Crow. The civil rights movement took flight with people such as Martin Luther king and Rosa parks. Although all of this was taking place president Eisenhower chose to disregard the situation.

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