One man would jumpstart a time period referred to in the reading as the "Dynamic 50's". Upon his great feats and accomplishments as not only a military general but as the esteemed general who led the historic invasion on Normandy Beach during the operation known as "D-Day", in 1952 America elected Dwight D. Eisenhower as the country's 34th president. As the lead-man for the North Atlantic Trade Organization, it was easy to see that he was just more than just military brains, but also a foreign policy intelligence. His election was the first presidential election to be widely presented on the television, allowing the constituency to literally watch history being made. Politically, his biggest topic of interest was ridding the Korean area of China's Communist evils and dangers. Upon election, the reading discusses how he traveled to Korea in order to make good on his promises. Upon arriving, he met with with leaders and speedily resolved the issue of nuclear war against China. In July of 1953, not even a full year after his inauguration, Eisenhower and others successfully initiated a ceasefire in Korea, which established the 38th Parallel. This was an imaginary line that would divide North and South Korea into two separate and fully functioning countries. Also, during 1953, Eisenhower was left to deal with the remaining threat of the "Red Scare" and the Cold War which were all in result of Russian advancements in nuclear warfare and the fear that Russian informants were among everyday citizens in America. Under the Eisenhower Administration, the Red Scare was taken extremely seriously and dealt with in a similar manner. Republican Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin led a full blown manhunt for communist informants which led to the destruction of hundreds of American families and destroyed the very institution of American rights given to us by the Constitution. Although many people were not guilty of treason, this large scale prosecution lay on Eisenhower's record as possibly the largest blemish of his presidential career. Nonetheless, Eisenhower continued to lead many drives for American salvation and prosperity from an economic and cultural standpoint. More Americans began to own televisions and cars while the statistic of women that attempted college or university sky-rocketed exponentially. Eisenhower initiated an Interstate and Defense Highway act that facilitated and stimulated growth in the public works programs previously established. Suburban infrastructure was increased, allowing for further sustainability of industries. Apart for advancements that generated money, Eisenhower also aided in the widespread movement for civil rights. The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture reports that in 1957, Eisenhower called for Military troops to aid nine African-American students as they attempted to integrate an all-white school after the verdict of Brown v. Board of Ed ruled that segregation in schools be eliminated. This event is referred to in history as the "Little Rock 9". In summary it is not to say that Eisenhower is solely responsible for all good that occurred in the 50's, however he is undoubtably the figure-head for the good that did occur in this era.
Succeeding the great Eisenhower and leading the nation for a brief stint was pretty boy John F. Kennedy who with the flash of a smile could instill so much happiness and hope in the country he led. Kennedy's largest defining factor was his interest in foreign policy and involvement. In 1963, he traveled to Berlin in order to ease tensions that resulted in the Great Wall of Berlin, however he was unsuccessful. Kennedy later developed the Peace Corps in order to educate thousands of willing Americans on how to deliver vaccinations and build infrastructure such as schools and homes in less fortunate areas of the world. This was a successful attempt at showing the world how giving of a country America was and what they were willing to do for others. Another big mark in Kennedy's presidency was the Cuban Missile Crisis. The reading describes how the Cuban dictatorship placed missiles aimed at America only 90 miles off the coast of Florida. Kennedy ordered for a blockade that would cut off Cuba and deter anymore nuclear weapons into the country. This also hindered Cuba from receiving necessary resources for survival and ultimately resulted in the agreement that if Cuba removed its weapons, the US would not invade the country. This was the last major event that occurred before Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963. Although Lee Harvey Oswald was apprehended and charged with the murder, it is still in speculation of who ACTUALLY killed Kennedy and why, as discussed in lecture.
We were assigned to watch American Experiences documentary titled "Freedom Writers". It discussed the group of Civil Rights activist who took non-violent measures in order to change this nation and accomplish equal rights for all of the peoples in this nation. There is an alarming statistic in which the state of Mississippi reveals that they arrested and jailed more than 300 Freedom Riders for simply utilizing their right to protest. The film follows the Riders and their strenuous journey in order to achieve Civil Rights. This is especially extraordinary for me being a young Africa American in this country to know that my grandparents and older relatives fought for the rights that I so freely enjoy today in 2014. The courageousness and gaul is outstanding to me and should be well commemorated in history.
Another piece we were required to watch was another piece created by Moyers and Company's piece titled "Jonathan Haidt Explains our Contentious Culture". In this documentary it is extensively discussed our debt and the large issue with it. Just recently after striving through a government shutdown, this country is still faced with a 14 trillion dollar debt which is upon us due to government borrowing and spending funds which we clearly do not have. Moyers and Haidt also touch on the topic of how Americans have the power to end the corruption that controls this country, such as the unfair and unbelievable gap between rich and poor. They also speak about Americans coming together and "rationalizing" this country once more in order to make it more whole and proper functioning, and idea that I greatly agree with.
In conclusion, America had endured much up and down during the 50s-70s. However with the down of Cold War and Red Scare to the ups of Rebuilding and Civil Rights, it is up to the American people to continue to carry these ideals and put them into place in order to lead future America into a place of peace and prosperity as well as growth.
Works Cited
"American
Experience: TV's Most-watched History Series." PBS. PBS, n.d.
Web. 17 Apr. 2014.
American Horizons. 12th ed. Vol. 2. New York: Oxford UP, 2012. Print.
"Freedom
Riders." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2014.
"Jonathan
Haidt Explains Our Contentious Culture." BillMoyerscom. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2014.
"Little Rock Nine." The
Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture. The Central Arkansas Library
System, 9 Sept. 2010. Web.
