Final answer:
President Eisenhower's response to civil rights for African Americans was a subject of criticism. Some felt he had not done enough, while others believed he had gone too far. Although he enforced desegregation in Little Rock, the perception of his actions varies.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Eisenhower's actions and response to civil rights for African Americans were a subject of criticism from different perspectives. Some Americans felt that he had not done enough to ensure civil rights for African Americans, while others believed that he had gone too far in asserting federal power over the states. One key event that highlighted this was the situation in Little Rock, where Governor Faubus utilized the National Guard to resist the mandated desegregation of schools. Initially, Eisenhower had taken a hands-off approach, but eventually, he intervened by federalizing the National Guard and sending troops to enforce the court order.
The perception of whether Eisenhower did enough or too much is subjective and depends on individual viewpoints. While he took a significant step by enforcing the desegregation order through federal intervention, some argue that more action could have been taken to address broader civil rights issues affecting African Americans. Criticism of Eisenhower's response often stems from the relatively slow progress in advancing civil rights during his presidency.
It's important to consider the historical context of the time, as the civil rights movement was gaining momentum across the nation. Many activists and African American communities were pushing for equal rights and an end to segregation. In comparison to subsequent presidents, Eisenhower's record on civil rights may be seen as limited, but it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges and complexities of addressing civil rights issues in that era.