Giacomo Jacobs

The Life of Dwight D. Eisenhower

Dwight D. Eisenhower is one of the most accomplished American citizens ever, he was the 34th President of the United States and Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in World War II, playing a pivotal role in shaping the modern world through his military expertise and commitment to peace. But Eisenhower wasn't handed those opportunities, he had to wait his turn and take advantage of the opportunities he was given. From humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected figures in American history. 

Eisenhower was a southern boy, born in Denison, Texas, on Oct 14, 1890, but grew up in Kansas. Raising five boys on a farm is extremely hard, but also teaching them the value of hard work and responsibility could be harder, but that is what Dwight's parents taught him from a young age. Each kid had their responsibilities on the farm, and even though the Eisenhower family faced much poverty each kid got paid for their hard work on the farm. (EPL) The Eisenhower family valued education. Both Dwight and Edgar, his older brother, planned to attend college. From an early age, Dwight demonstrated his selflessness by agreeing to work for a year to help pay for Edgar's tuition. Edgar agreed to pay for Dwight's future studies in exchange. After years of working on his family's farm, Dwight finally had enough money to attend school, attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, securing an education, and beginning his journey in military service. 

Dwight's career in the military started after his West Point graduation. Early it was quite obvious that Eisenhower was going to have a successful career, as he continuously climbed the ranks. His leadership skills were recognized by high-ranking officials, who noticed his skill for strategic thinking. (NWWII M) Eisenhower's military career peaked when he was named Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during WWII. Eisenhower oversaw the detailed planning and logistics required for Operation Overlord, better known as the D-Day invasion of Normandy, a crucial turning point in the war (U.S. National Park Service). Despite the tremendous obstacles they encountered, Eisenhower's leadership during the war displayed his ability to unify Allied troops in the most pivotal invasion of the war. 

Eisenhower was a very skilled leader, but one trait that he had that was practically strong was his diplomatic skill in managing different military leaders, including British General Bernard Montgomery and American General George S. Patton. Unlike Hitler who allowed much conflict and controversy in his head command offices, Eisenhower understood the importance of everyone being on the same page with a shared objective. His ability to compromise tensions, and lead by example earned him respect among both American and Allied soldiers (Roxberry). 

The planning for D-Day began years before the actual invasion. For years the plan was to attack on June 5, but because of the weather, it was postponed. On June 6, 1944, Eisenhower gave the go-ahead, which then led to one of the most important invasion operations in history. (N WWII M)At the beach fronts of Omaha and Utah, the allies were much with heavy resistance. But despite this, they successfully secured a beachhead, marking the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control (EPL). The Germans had spent years preparing for an invasion, so it was no easy task for the Allies. They were faced with bombs, hedgerows, and other deadly traps. Dwight understood that this invasion couldn't solely be based on the success of their foot troops, Eisenhower had a strong emphasis on air superiority. For weeks the Allies worked hard to establish the air battle in France, Eisenhower correctly assumed that this would make the invasion of Normandy end with a lot fewer casualties and have a higher success rate. With the Battle of the Sky won in France, Eisenhower established Operation Point Blank. This diminished the threat of Luftwaffe interference and destroyed the enemy's logistical support. Eisenhower's strategic vision in directing combined air and ground activities was demonstrated by his entire Normandy campaign. 

After the War was done Dwight returned home a world Hero. In 1950, he became president of Columbia University. Later that year when the Korean War broke out, most Americans didn't want to get involved in a war again, so they turned to Dwight for help. Two years later, he announced his candidacy for president, running as a Republican. Eisenhower won the election and served two terms as president, from 1953 to 1961. In these years he helped navigate the Cold War, as well as the complexities of the early days of the Civil Rights movement. 

Despite his cautious approach, Dwight D. Eisenhower made major improvements to civil rights during his time in the Oval Office. In 1957, he signed the Civil Rights Act, which aimed to protect Black Americans' voting rights, the Civil Rights Division in the Department of Justice. A couple of years later, during the Little Rock Crisis when Arkansas’s governor blocked Black students from integrating into a High School. Eisenhower responded by supporting the Black community. He sent down federal troops to enforce integration. (Roxberry)

As a former war general, Dwight's objective in office was to maintain peace and stability. He established things like the Eisenhower Doctrine, which helped limit the Soviet influence in the Middle East. Dwight transformed American transportation with the development of new infrastructures, including the interstate highway system. This not only boosted the American economy but also gave thousands of people job opportunities, which were incredibly valuable, especially after returning from the war. 

Dwight D. Eisenhower, as known as “Ike,” just a kid from rural Kansas, whose only goal was to go to college, ended up the Commander of the Allied troops, and the President of the United States. Through his life’s journey, Eisenhower exemplified the belief that greatness comes not from ambition alone but from a dedication to a cause greater than oneself. His life story reminds us that true leadership requires humility, courage, and a willingness to make difficult choices for the greater good.

Bibliography

Ambrose, Stephen E. The Supreme Commander: The War Years of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Doubleday, 1970. Internet Archive. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

 "A United Force: Eisenhower and AAF Strategy for Operation Overlord." National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.  Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

"D-Day and the Normandy Campaign." The National World War II Museum.  Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

"Eisenhower Plans for D-Day." National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

 Roxberry, Katie. "Dwight David Eisenhower." National Museum of the United States Army. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

“Series: Eisenhower in World War II.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

"World War II: D-Day Invasion of Normandy. Eisenhower Presidential Library." Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Artist's Statement

I chose to focus on Eisenhower because, despite my years of being obsessed with World War II, I realized I didn’t know enough about him. I chose to dramatize this particular moment because many consider it the most important event of the war, and I wanted to explore the pressure he faced. My biggest challenge was deciding which moment to focus on and how to create an emotional depth for him since he was known for being calm and composed under pressure. What I will remember most from this project is how, no matter how much I read about his accomplishments, there’s always more to uncover. I think World War II was a defining moment in history that shaped the modern world, and Eisenhower played a crucial role in its outcome. His leadership and decision-making still have connections to the 21st century, especially in how leaders handle pressure and make difficult choices that affect millions of people.