Eisenhower

Dwight D. Eisenhower¿s military and political career clearly marks him as one of the major historical figures of the twentieth century. The issues of the time of his presidency, with the Cold War at its height and serious social, economic and racial tensions at home, made his conduct of affairs of very great historical significance. Peter Boyle incorporates the latest research on Eisenhower into a succinct, analytical assessment of Eisenhower as a statesman in the context of his time

 

Boyle¿s study of Eisenhower covers the major issues of his presidency, such as relations with the Soviet Union, the Suez Crisis, the Hungarian Revolution, the economy, civil rights, presidential and Congressional elections.  Boyle¿s interpretation goes beyond post-revisionism to argue that Eisenhower¿s handling of the substantial issues of his presidency was extremely effective. Boyle argues, however, that there were some serious weaknesses in Eisenhower¿s political skills, especially with regard to party leadership, grooming a successor and inability to capitalise on policy accomplishments for party political advantage.

 

Offering a detailed study of Eisenhower¿s accomplishments in domestic and foreign affairs, especially in the light of new evidence from archives and through comparison between Eisenhower and his successors, this book advances an evaluation of Eisenhower which rates him as one of America¿s greatest presidents.

 

Peter G. Boyle is a Senior Lecturer in American History at the University of Nottingham. He has published extensively in the field of American political history and American foreign policy, including American¿Soviet Relations: From the Russian Revolution to the Fall of Communism and an edition of The Churchill¿Eisenhower Correspondence, 1953¿1955.

"Boyle has provided a balanced interpretation that should challenge students to possibly re-evaluate their views of Eisenhower." 

H-Net reviews

"a lucid, balanced and well-argued analysis…well written and very well researched in both primary and secondary sources.”

Iwan Morgan, History Tthe Journal of the Historical Association, Vol. 91, Iss.4, Number 304, October 2006

 

'A well crafted and concise synthesis that succeeds in discussing insightfully a diverse body of literature and in encouraging historians to assess Dwight Eisenhower in a new and more positive way.'

Robert Mason, University of Edinburgh

Eisenhower is a succinct analytical evaluation of Eisenhower¿s presidency that argues that he embodied the spirit of his time and exuded power in a subtle manner.

• Essential to WW2, American, and Cold War history alike
• Eisenhower is one of the most important figures in 20th century world history
• Examines Eisenhower's early military career as well as his presidency
• The author's opinions are clearly articulated in the book, making this a very fresh and personal account of Eisenhower's political career
• Part of the award winning Profiles in Power series

Eisenhower is the president who established America as a superpower. He had already launched his reputation as the leading US military figure in the Second World War and then as supreme commander of the land forces of the newly created NATO.  This book looks at how Eisenhower held power in the political field, and to what extent his political career was a success.

For readers interested in 20th Century American History.

Peter G. Boyle is senior Lecturer in US History at the University of Nottingham, where he has taught since 1967.  He is editor of the Churchill-Eisenhower Correspondence, 1953-55 and America Soviet Relations, 1917-1991: From the Russian REvolution to the Fall of Communism.

Introduction

1.   Pre-Presidency, 1890-1952

2.   Creating Stability: Domestic Affairs, 1953-54

3.   Waging Peace: Foreign Affairs, 1953-54

4.   Affluence and Good Feelings: Domestic Affairs, 1955-56

5.   Crises, East, West and Mid-East: Foreign Affairs, 1955-56

6.   The Doldrums: Domestic Affairs, 1957-58

7.   Waging Cold War:  Foreign Affairs, 1957-58

8.   Revival of Spirit: Domestic Affairs, 1959-60

9.   High Hopes and Final Disappointment: Foreign Affairs, 1959-60

10. Conclusion

Bibliography