Background

Eisenhower (nickname Ike) was persuaded to run for president by friends after turning down Truman's requests to run for the Democrats in '47 and '51. He was a well-respected veteran and his election campaign focused on criticizing Truman and promising to end the Korean War. Although Eisenhower was the first Republican President in 20 years, the Democrats kept control of Congress.

​Domestic Policies

Eisenhower's domestic policies (dynamic conservatism) were similar to FDR's New Deals of the '30s. He balanced the budget in '57, '59, and '60 and gave power to states and local governments. Successful domestic policies include setting up a new Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; expanding social security to 10 million Americans' increasing the minimum wage by 25%; $500 million for low-income public housing.

Nixon

Nixon was chosen as Vice President to 'balance the ticket'. Nixon had a tense relationship with the media which suspected corruption (nicknaming him Tricky Dicky) damaging Eisenhower's image. Nixon chaired the cabinet and National Security Council and stood in as President when Eisenhower was unavailable (e.g. when recovering from a heart attack in 1955). Nixon also played a key part in foreign policy as Eisenhower's representative.