How did President Eisenhower respond to the Civil Rights Movement?
During his presidency from 1953 to 1961, Dwight D. Eisenhower played a crucial role in shaping the country’s response to the Civil Rights Movement. As the 34th President of the United States, Eisenhower was a veteran of World War II and a symbol of American patriotism. However, his presidency was marked by a mixed record on civil rights, with both significant achievements and disappointments.
Initial Inaction
When the Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., began in December 1955, Eisenhower was initially reluctant to take a strong stance on the issue. The President believed that the problem was a local matter, best handled by the states and local authorities. In a famous meeting with his advisors, Eisenhower was quoted as saying, "I don’t see how I can get into the business of ordering states to do this or that." This inaction allowed the crisis to escalate, and the boycott continued for over a year.
Federal Intervention
However, in November 1956, Eisenhower was forced to intervene when the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the desegregation of public schools in the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education. In response, Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce the court’s ruling. This marked a significant shift in the President’s approach to civil rights, as he began to recognize the importance of federal intervention.
Civil Rights Legislation
In 1957, Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act, which strengthened the Voting Rights Act and provided federal protection for civil rights workers. The law also established the Commission on Civil Rights, which was tasked with investigating civil rights violations and making recommendations for reform.
Confronting Segregation
Eisenhower also confronted segregation head-on by visiting the University of Texas, where he addressed the student body and emphasized the importance of equality and integration. In 1959, he became the first President to visit the African American community in Baltimore, Maryland, where he met with local civil rights leaders and listened to their concerns.
Executive Orders
Eisenhower issued several Executive Orders aimed at promoting civil rights and equality. One of the most significant was Executive Order 10925, which banned discrimination in federal employment and prohibited the use of racial epithets by federal employees. He also issued Executive Order 11000, which prohibited discrimination in government contracts and Executive Order 11063, which established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Conclusion
In conclusion, President Eisenhower’s response to the Civil Rights Movement was complex and multifaceted. While he initially hesitated to take a strong stance, he eventually intervened in Little Rock and signed landmark legislation aimed at promoting civil rights and equality. His executive orders and speeches emphasized the importance of integration and equality, and he became the first President to visit the African American community.
Timeline of Eisenhower’s Response to the Civil Rights Movement
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1955 | Montgomery Bus Boycott begins |
| 1956 | Eisenhower sends federal troops to Little Rock |
| 1957 | Eisenhower signs the Civil Rights Act |
| 1959 | Eisenhower visits Baltimore and meets with local civil rights leaders |
| 1960 | Eisenhower issues Executive Order 10925, banning discrimination in federal employment |
Comparison of Eisenhower’s Response to Other Presidents
| President | Response to Civil Rights Movement |
|---|---|
| Truman | Issued Executive Order 9981, desegregating the military, but failed to take significant action on civil rights |
| Kennedy | Supported civil rights legislation, but failed to pass the Civil Rights Act |
| Johnson | Signed the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act, but faced opposition from segregationist Democrats |
Criticisms and Legacy
While Eisenhower’s response to the Civil Rights Movement was significant, it has been criticized for being slow and hesitant. Some have argued that his inaction during the Montgomery Bus Boycott and his initial reluctance to intervene in Little Rock were unacceptable. However, others have praised his eventual intervention and the passage of landmark legislation.
Eisenhower’s legacy on civil rights is complex and open to interpretation. While he made significant progress, he also faced criticism for not doing enough to promote civil rights and equality. Ultimately, his response to the Civil Rights Movement served as a foundation for future presidential action, and his legacy continues to be debated by historians and scholars.
