Is Eisenhower’s Standing as One of The Best Presidents Reasonable?

President Eisenhower’s ranking should not remain as solidly positive as many rate him because he failed to resolve many problems and his methods of resolution instigated anarchy and more tension between U.S.S.R and America than there already was. However, Eisenhower’s ranking should not go completely negative because he successfully led this nation even though he was under a lot of political pressure.

            One of Eisenhower’s failures includes his inability to resolve the problems at hand. Granted, he was able to resolve the Korean War, however it is important to note that a peace conference had already begun prior to Eisenhower’s inauguration. Therefore, the armistice cannot be accredited to him alone. His failure to resolve issues is emphasized in the events of Cuba and in Vietnam. In Cuba, Eisenhower can be blamed for the tensions that arose because of his support of a tyrannical government. The “ruler” of Cuba, Batista, overthrew countless democratically elected leaders; however Eisenhower still formally recognized the Batista government. After Castro took over, Eisenhower increased tension between the two nations when he prohibited American companies to sell oil to the Cubans. When the Cubans turned to the Soviets, the U.S. made it clear to all refineries not to refine the Soviet oil. As Castro retaliated, Eisenhower permanently severed all ties with Cuba, pushing them even more towards the Soviets. Thus, Eisenhower had not only miscalculated the events in Cuba, but he essentially pushed Cuba into the hands of the Soviets. Furthermore, he failed to correct this mistake by not overthrowing Castro, and therefore left this new crisis in the hands of his successor. Similarly, Eisenhower can be blamed for the tensions that arose in Vietnam. Though the North Koreans were not at first Communistic, Eisenhower continued Truman’s policy of aiding the South and the French. Essentially, Eisenhower had once again pushed another country into a Communist system of government. The Geneva Accords stated that in 1956, there would be a new election to re-unify the Vietnams, however Eisenhower urged Diem to suppress the elections, maintaining the division. Eisenhower urged the militarization of the South, even though Diem was a corrupt leader. Towards the end of the Eisenhower administration, the conflict in Vietnam had escalated into an actually war (Brinkley 289). Therefore, Eisenhower had once again not only prevented a peaceful outcome, but he was unable to correct his mistakes and solve the problem at hand.