Final answer:
Eisenhower's presidency during the Cold War included expanding nuclear deterrence to avoid large-scale wars, promoting economic growth, and maintaining peace despite global pressures. However, his cautious foreign policy and reluctance with domestic social issues like civil rights also faced criticism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pros and Cons of Eisenhower's Presidency in the Cold War
The presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower included both positive elements and challenges in the context of the Cold War. Eisenhower's New Look policy was a key pro, focusing on nuclear deterrence to counteract the Soviet threat without excessively increasing defense budget for conventional forces. However, this reliance on nuclear weapons, as Eisenhower himself feared, potentially threatened global security, leading him to warn of the dangers of a military-industrial complex in his farewell address.
On the diplomatic front, Eisenhower aimed to reassure European allies and avoid direct military conflicts, like those in Vietnam and the Suez Canal crisis. During his term, the US did not engage in major wars but provided financial assistance or diplomatic mediation instead. However, this approach had its cons as it sometimes appeared as passivity, especially during moments like the Hungarian Revolution, where the US did not intervene against Soviet oppression.
Eisenhower's bipartisan and moderate stance meant he retained and expanded New Deal programs, which could be seen as a pro for social stability but a con for those advocating for smaller government. His presidency was marked by efforts to balance the federal budget and continue economic prosperity in the face of Cold War pressures, but also a reluctance to engage directly with divisive internal issues such as civil rights.