Eisenhower Farewell Address HW

On January 17, 1961, president Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered his final speech as Commander in Chief of the United States. President Eisenhower begins his address by stating that despite engaging in three of the four great wars of the century (WW1, WW2, and Korean), the United States is the most powerful and influential country in the world. This claim is further explained to mean that it is the duty of America to use that power for the, “interests of world peace and human betterment.” This statement by the glorified military commander is largely delivered for the purpose of informing the American people as well as successor John F Kennedy that the rising power of Soviet Russia must be dealt with. Eisenhower continues his speech by explaining that the methodology of war was changing from what Americans were used to. He states that the United States must now have a, “permanent armaments industry of vast proportions” in order to combat the threat of enemy weapon compiling. This statement hints on the fact that Eisenhower believed that an “arms race” was going to begin between the United States and USSR in which America could spare no expense. This statement shows a contradiction of typical Eisenhower philosophy, as he was very conservative with national spending. He places focus on the necessity of continuous and expanding research into the new technological fields—despite how costly it may be. Eisenhower also touches on the aspect of the future and the importance of, “avoid[ing] the impulse to live only for today”. He emphasizes that as natural resources are continuously used to fuel the expansion of technology and military progress, it is essential to leave the world in livable condition for future generations. Not only does Eisenhower mention the world’s future in terms of natural resources, but also the foreign and domestic relationships of the American government. He stresses that the world must be made up, “of equals” in order for peace and stability to reign supreme. Eisenhower envisions disarmament leading to a confederation of equals, a world where conflict is resolved with intellect and not war, but knows that such a world is not in the foreseeable future. This projection comes with the consequence that the conflict with the Soviet Union will last for a long time in which the American people need to prepare for. Eisenhower finishes his speech with both relief and disappointment. He is proud that war with Russia has been avoided, but knows that the future of the United States will entail the constant struggle of power between the two strongest countries in the world.