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Early Twentieth Century, 1901-1960.Dwight D. Eisenhower's Administration, 1953-1961.
Dwight David Eisenhower:
1952 Republican Nominee for President

As early as 1943, some Americans had wanted Eisenhower to run for President. He had replied angrily: "Why can't a simple soldier be left alone to carry out his orders?"

In 1948, Eisenhower turned down attempts by both the Republican and Democratic parties to "draft" him for the presidential nomination. He insisted that "lifelong professional soldiers" should not enter politics. When a friend asked Eisenhower what party he favored, he replied: "I am just a good Kansas Republican like yourself." By 1952, Republican demands had grown too strong to resist. Eisenhower came home in June to campaign for the nomination. The next month, he retired from the army without pay or military benefits.

The 1952 Republican National Convention, meeting in Chicago, nominated Eisenhower on the first ballot, and chose Senator Richard M. Nixon of California for Vice-President.

Above, Eisenhower and Nixon accept the cheers of Republican National Convention delegates.


Richard M. Nixon

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SKC Films Library --> American History. --> United States: General History and Description. --> Early Twentieth Century, 1901-1960. --> Dwight D. Eisenhower's Administration, 1953-1961. --> Dwight David Eisenhower.

This page was last updated on 08/08/2012.