Final answer:
Eisenhower's domestic policies struck a balance between conservatism and liberalism, focused on economic growth, social conformity, and cautioned against the military-industrial complex. Internationally, he aimed to contain Communism through economic and military alliances in Latin America and the Eisenhower Doctrine in the Middle East, as part of his New Look policy's strategic Cold War effort.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eisenhower's Domestic Policies
Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency saw a balanced approach between conservatism and liberalism. He focused on maintaining a balanced federal budget, which pleased conservatives, but also kept much of the New Deal in place and expanded Social Security, satisfying some liberal interests. His domestic agenda included a significant emphasis on economic growth and social conformity in post-World War II America. Eisenhower also delivered a stark warning about the dangers of the military-industrial complex in his farewell speech.
Eisenhower's Policy Toward Latin America and the Middle East
In foreign affairs, Eisenhower's policies were in large part defined by his response to the Cold War. In Latin America, the Eisenhower administration sought to strengthen economic and military ties to prevent the spread of Communism. In the Middle East, the Eisenhower Doctrine articulated the U.S. commitment to defend any nation in the region against the spread of Communism. This doctrine came in response to the Suez Crisis and was intended to assure Middle Eastern leaders of U.S. support.
Cold War Impact
The overarching theme of Eisenhower's administration was navigating the challenges of the Cold War. The era was marked by efforts to contain Communism and to defend the interests of the United States and its allies globally. Eisenhower's New Look policy expanded the nuclear arsenal and reflected strategic priorities in the Cold War era without excessively increasing the defense budget for conventional forces.