The Eisenhower Era

Abstract

The Eisenhower Era is a twelve-part radio I newspaper series designed to provide fresh perspectives on the Eisenhower presidency and on the mid-century period. This series uses primary-source material, including oral histories and documentary footage from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library-as well as interviews with historians and biographers-to help Americans better understand the influence of the mid-century period on our own era. Many issues that President Eisenhower confronted-for example, national defense, nuclear power, the cost of fighting limited wars, environmental destruction, civil rights, national health insurance, the cold war, the stress of change, the heightening divisions between social classes, and the importance of presidential image-are still with us. The Eisenhower Era has been aired on 30 radio stations and published in 75 newspapers across the state of Kansas. Because of its wide appeal, we have prepared this collection of the series articles as a permanent resource for classroom use and for the pleasure of those individuals who want to know more about our foremost Kansas hero and his role as a national and international leader. Much of the credit for the success of this series goes to two individuals: Francis H. Heller, Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor of Law and Political Science emeritus at the University of Kansas, and John Katich, University of Kansas assistant professor of radio and television. Professor Heller served as series adviser and helped organize the series contents; he also wrote several articles for The Eisenhower Era. Professor Katich produced the radio version of the series. Scholars who wrote articles for The Eisenhower Era include Burton I. Kaufman, professor of history, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Judith R. Johnson, assistant professor of history, Wichita State University; M. Albert Dimmitt, adjunct professor of history, Penn Valley Community College; Bruce R. Kahler, professor of history, Bethany College; James C. Duram, professor of history, Wichita State University; and Loren E. Pennington, professor of history, Emporia State University. Donna Butler helped edit the articles for the series. Rachel Hunter narrated the radio version of The Eisenhower Era, and Adrienne Rivers-Waribagha assisted with the production of the radio programs. Donna Flory supervised project funds. Malcolm Neelley and Joan Davies provided word-processing and layout services. All of these individuals have contributed significantly to the quality of this series.