State Historical Society of Iowa

"President Eisenhower's Farewell Address, " 1961

 Download Image Resource

Courtesy of National Archives, "President Eisenhower's Farewell Address, " 1961

Description

On January 17, 1961, in this farewell address, President Dwight Eisenhower warned against the establishment of a "military-industrial complex." In a speech of less than 10 minutes, on January 17, 1961, President Dwight Eisenhower delivered his political farewell to the American people on national television from the Oval Office of the White House. Those who expected the military leader and hero of World War II to depart his Presidency with a nostalgic, "old soldier" speech like Gen. Douglas MacArthur's, were surprised at his strong warnings about the dangers of the "military-industrial complex."
As President of the United States for two terms, Eisenhower had slowed the push for increased defense spending despite pressure to build more military equipment during the Cold War's arms race. Nonetheless, the American military services and the defense industry had expanded a great deal in the 1950s. Eisenhower thought this growth was needed to counter the Soviet Union, but it confounded him. Though he did not say so explicitly, his standing as a military leader helped give him the credibility to stand up to the pressures of this new, powerful interest group. He eventually described it as a necessary evil.

Transcript coming soon.

Source Dependent Questions

  • What was Eisenhower's perspective? How do you feel his previous experiences as a military leader influenced his perspective? Does this make his arguments more or less reliable than other presidents like Kenedy or Reagan who have limited to no military experience? How does his background influence the effectiveness of his message in your opinion?
  • Review the second and third paragraph. How did Einsenhower define the "military-industrial complex"? What warning did Einsenhower give about the "military industrial complex's" influence over government actions? What was Eisenhower trying to convince the American people was in the country's best interest? Use evidence from the text.
  • Reflect on the speeches by Ford, Kennedy, and Reagan. What evidence from these speeches confirms Eisenhower's fears? What evidence demonstrates his fear was misplaced?
  • Consider the speech was Eisenhower's farewell speech. How did this influence his message?

Citation Information

Farewell address by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, January 17, 1961; Final TV Talk 1/17/61 (1), Box 38, Speech Series, Papers of Dwight D. Eisenhower as President, 1953-61, Eisenhower Library; National Archives and Records Administration Courtesy of Library of Congress

State Historical Society of Iowa

How can we help?

Share feedback with us