The Cold War between the U.S. and Soviets was still mighty chilly when Ike stepped down as president. Both sides had enough nukes to wipe out humanity, both sides were trying to extend their spheres of influence, and both sides were totally terrified of the other. Nobody had learned to stop worrying and love the bomb.
Eisenhower had done a lot to project power in hopes of deterring Soviet aggression and expansion. He'd gotten an armistice signed to end the Korean War, he used the CIA to overthrow "uncooperative" governments in smaller nations around the world, and he'd built up the American nuclear arsenal to save money and intimidate the Soviets. But all of this was, in his mind, the only way toward peace.
So let's see. What'll it be? Long, drawn-out conventional warfare that could go on indefinitely and cost a fortune in lives and resources? Or nuclear deterrence that you hope worked or else life on earth as we know it was over.
We'll take neither.
Questions About Warfare
- Why was WWII so good for the American economy?
- Did Ike's nuclear strategy make sense? Did it make the world safer or more dangerous?
- If you were President, what kind of balance would you strike between defense and social spending in your annual budget?
Chew on This
Ike's statement about peace through mutual respect and diplomacy is a pipe dream. There will always be conflict.
Ike knew more than anyone how difficult achieving peace would be.