Summary
President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s farewell address began with gratitude to the American people for electing him as president and serving with him for more than half a decade. In the speech, the president wished his successor luck leading the American people. The farewell address addressed the importance of ensuring an agreement between Congress and the executive when formulating policies, particularly those related to wars (Eisenhower, 1961).
President Eisenhower congratulated the American people for having the strongest military force in the world, but warned against using excessive force. Instead, the president urged the American people that it was more important for the nation to use its leadership position to promote peace and human betterment across the globe. The address also touched on the issue of the impending dangers of conflicts. Eisenhower pointed out that the existing ideologies were ruthless, insidious, and atheistic, pointing out that it was better to seek perseverance, sacrifice, and global peace (Eisenhower, 1961). The president used the platform to express to the people the might of the American military, acknowledging that it was well-equipped and immersed in the necessary modern technology.
However, he urged that the military be run sustainably, as excessive spending would eventually hurt other areas of the economy (Eisenhower, 1961). He further warned against unwarranted military influences and urged the citizens to protect the country’s democratic processes and liberties. Finally, the president commended the technological advances that the US had witnessed but warned against their use, as they could pose some potential dangers.
Analysis
This Farewell speech was delivered by the then-president of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, to formally resign from the presidency and hand over the powers of the office to his successor. President Eisenhower delivered this speech on January 17th, 1961, to terminate his presidency, which had run from 1953 to 1961, where he thanked the American citizens for the great work they had accomplished in more than half a decade he had been in power (Eisenhower, 1961). The target audience for this address was the broad United States population, who were at the time in fear of the challenges posed by the Cold War and the nuclear threats.
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s farewell speech was biased because the president focused on the positive aspects and achievements of the country during his tenure. His speech was also biased about nuclear disarmament, as the president emphasized the need to mitigate nuclear risks through nuclear proliferation. Eisenhower’s speech was flawed in his advice about military spending, where the president suggested that excessive defensive spending should be cut.
The primary concern during this speech was the ongoing Cold War between the US and Russia and the fight over which ideology to adopt, communism or capitalism. The president also used the address to express his personal opinions on how the American military should be operated and cautioned against the unnecessary use of military power (Eisenhower, 1961). This speech relates to many concepts taught throughout the course, including the Cold War, American foreign policies, management of governmental institutions, and technology’s role in warfare and society. The address left many unanswered questions, such as the specific conflicts the country endured during his tenure and whether Russia was winning the Cold War.
References
Eisenhower, D. D. (1961). President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s farewell address. Web.