“What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight – it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
Like George Washington and Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected President because of his successful military career. He also had good looks and a charming personality on his side. The first Republican President to be elected in 20 years, Eisenhower served two terms.
In the U.S., he focused on civil liberties. He supported the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education ruling that said that all schools must be open to children of all races. He sent federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas when schools there refused to allow black children entrance.
Abroad, he visited Korea and tried to improve relationships with Russia. His peace talks helped end the Korean War.
Fun Facts
- Dwight (Ike) D. Eisenhower was born October 14, 1890 in Denison, Texas.
- He often referred to himself as a “simple country boy” or a “dumb bunny.” He liked people and people liked him. He had an easy, charming personality. The only person he ever hated was Adolf Hitler.
- Eisenhower graduated from West Point and began a career in the Army. He quickly impressed military leaders with his leadership skills and was made a commander during World War II. He rose to the Army’s highest rank – five star general.
- He married Marie (Mamie) Geneva Doud in 1916. They had two sons.
- Because Eisenhower was a career soldier, he was accustomed to being cared for. He didn’t drive, use a phone, or even dress himself.
- Eisenhower retired after his time as President. He and Mamie purchased their first home, a farm, in Pennsylvania. Eisenhower died there 8 years later.
Questions and Answers
Question: Why did the Eisenhowers wait until retirement to purchase their first home?
Answer: They traveled so much in the military that they were never in one place long enough to buy a house.
Learn More
Visit the White House to learn more.
