The Eisenhower Life Series* is
a five-part curriculum series that traces the life and times of Dwight
D. Eisenhower from 1890 until 1969. Each unit includes an engaging
summary of an historical period, a fascinating review of Eisenhower’s
life within the context of the times, and primary sources from the
holdings of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library. The series is published
by The Eisenhower Foundation.
"Dreams of a Barefoot Boy: 1890-1911"
"Duty,
Honor, Country: 1911-1935"
"In
the High Cause of Human Freedom: 1935-1945"
"Called
to a Higher Duty: 1945-1961"
"All
the Daydreams of My Youth Fulfilled: 1961-1969"
"50th Anniversary Poster "
“Dreams
of a Barefoot Boy: 1890—1911"
Estimated Download Time for 56k: 1 hour 2 minute 57 seconds
Poster
THE story of the Dwight D. Eisenhower’s
life begins in a small town in the heartland of nineteenth-century
America. Here he matured into a bright, popular, handsome, and exceedingly
ambitious young man.
The influences that shaped his upbringing were common
enough in Midwestern America one-hundred years ago: a profoundly
religious family, the public school system, work and friendships, and
the community of Abilene, Kansas, itself.
To truly know Dwight D. Eisenhower, it is necessary
to go back and recreate, as best we can, his early years through
his own words, primary sources, and the memories of those who knew
him then.
“Dreams
of a Barefoot Boy” is 46 pages long. It includes
22 primary sources, including documents, photographs and a 1901 plat
map of Abilene, Kansas. A document analysis worksheet and 16 suggestions
for learning activities complete the unit.
“Dreams of a Barefoot
Boy” comes from General Eisenhower’s
Homecoming Speech, delivered on June 22, 1945, in Abilene KS.
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"Duty,
Honor, Country: 1911-1935"
Estimated Download Time for 56k: 37 minutes 44 seconds
Poster
THESE years of Eisenhower’s life
are less well known, but every bit as fascinating. They laid a solid
foundation for his leadership in World War II and the presidency.
During
this period, Eisenhower sometimes agonized that his career was gong
nowhere, but research reveals a much different picture. From 1915
to 1935, he was propelled steadily upward through a combination of
factors: his intense ambition, his considerable abilities, his perseverance,
and the friendship of a very special mentor, General Fox Conner.
We
see him tested, tempered, and strengthened by what he perceives as
career shortcomings and disappointments. But nothing matches the nearly
unbearable grief he endures at the tragic death of his and Mamie’s
three-year-old son Doud Dwight.
“Duty, Honor, Country” is
53 pages long. It includes a poster, 21 primary sources, including
documents and photographs. A chronology of Eisenhower’s early
military years, four worksheets, and 14 suggestions for learning activities
complete the unit.
“Duty,
Honor, Country” is the motto of the U.S. Military
Academy at West Point. Eisenhower adopted it as a guiding principle
for the rest of his life.
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"In the High Cause of Human Freedom: 1935-1945"
Estimated Download Time for 56k: 39 minutes 36 seconds
Poster
IN 1935, Major Dwight D. Eisenhower was
an anonymous man. In less than a decade, he would become a five-star
general, an admired and celebrated world figure, and much loved hero.
A look back to the eve of World War II reveals a striking portrait
of a man poised to assume the reins of leadership. Had there been no
war, history would have little mention of a very capable and good man
named Dwight D. Eisenhower. But the war did come, and Eisenhower’s
shooting star was no fluke of history.
In the darkest days of World
War II—when there was no glory,
when the workload was punishing, when fatigue, worry, and illness threatened
his health—he bore it and, even more, he transcended it. By the
end of the war, Eisenhower had become the very personification of the
righteous crusade that had prevailed over the dark forces of evil.
“In
the High Cause of Human Freedom” is 60 pages long.
It includes a poster, 22 primary sources, including documents and photographs.
A chronology of Eisenhower’s war years, an official map of the
Normandy Invasion, two worksheets, and 13 suggestions for learning
activities complete the unit.
“In the High Cause of Human Freedom” comes
from a 1945 speech by General Eisenhower.
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"Called to a Higher Duty: 1945-1961"
Estimated Download Time for 56k: 49 minutes 18 seconds
Poster
IMMEDIATELY followingWorld
War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower was U.S. Army Chief of Staff,
President of Columbia University, and Commander of NATO. As
escalating tensions of the Cold War polarized East and West,
Americans, and many around the world, looked to Eisenhower
for leadership and reassurance.
He managed to squelch an “Eisenhower
for President” movement
in 1948. But, by 1951, the course of world events and the incessant,
impassioned appeals for him to consider a presidential run
forced him to reconsider.
From 1953—1961, President Eisenhower
led the nation through the perilous early years of the Cold
War. He insisted that the security and prosperity of the United
States rested on an engaged citizenry, a vital and expanding
economy, responsible government spending, and military superiority.
To that end, he worked tirelessly and selflessly—and
often thanklessly—to
serve the best interests of the American people.
“Called
to a Higher Duty” is 67 pages long. It
includes a poster, 20 primary sources, a document analysis
worksheet, and 13 suggestions for learning activities.
“Called
to a Higher Duty” comes from a 1952 letter
written by General Eisenhower.
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"All the Daydreams of My Youth Fulfilled: 1961-1969"
General Eisenhower, relaxing at his Gettysburg farm, during
his retirement years: 1961-1969.
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Part V of the Eisenhower Life Series will
be published in 2005. It is not yet available. Please continue
to check back.
