Kennedy and Eisenhower as LeadersEssay Preview: Kennedy and Eisenhower as LeadersReport this essayAs a nation, we look to our Presidents for many things, but one of the most important qualities is their ability to be a leader. Every president has their own leadership style; however, some presidents have a more desirable method of leadership than others. Take for instance, Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. Both of these presidents were well-liked by the American people, yet their leadership styles were quite different. There are two main types of leadership styles – direct and indirect. Direct leadership of the president is so important because presidency is the highest role in our political society, which comes with power, prestige, and a wealth of responsibility and commitment. There are a variety of factors that contribute to the effectiveness of presidential leadership and the consequence that this effectiveness has on society (St. Bonaventure University, n.d.).
Dwight David Eisenhower has been said to be the least understood of the modern presidents. A year after Eisenhower stepped down from office, a poll of specialists on the presidency was performed. Within two decades, a transformation of Eisenhowers reputation had begun in the scholarly literature. As the inner records of his presidency became visible to the public, his image was far removed from the image he had cast during his presidency. Eisenhower was referred to as having a hidden-hand style of leadership, which reduced his interest in public persuasion, and he was said to be an earnest, yet uninspiring, speaker. It was said that Eisenhowers oblique style would be difficult for modern presidents to emulate since behind-the-scenes leadership works better for a deeply trusted national figure who has earned the nations confidence in a non-political role than for a leader whose public support depends on day-to-day results. However, his practice of down-playing the divisive side of presidential leadership and accentuating the presidents ecumenical responsibilities could be viewed as politically rewarding even today, if appropriately adapted (History News Network, n.d.).
When John F. Kennedy replaced Dwight Eisenhower as president, he was told about the CIAs plan to invade Cuba. In the first speech Kennedy made to the American public as their president, he made it clear that he intended to continue Eisenhowers policy of supporting the South Vietnamese government of Ngo Dinh Diem. He argued that if South Vietnam became a communist state, the entire non-communist world would be at risk. Under his leadership, America would be willing to, “pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty.” (Spartacus Educational, n.d.). This speech had a considerable impact on many young Americans. Vision, decision-making style, and delegation are the key factors to what makes an effective leader. Recent scholarly work has demonstrated that Kennedy was one
There have been numerous studies demonstrating that President Kennedy is not a successful and effective leader. However, he has shown the potential for changing the U.S., with a clear vision and ability to plan, make strategic strategic decisions, (Spartacus Educational, n.d.). To understand how he may achieve both this status and that of an effective leader, one must study the political background of Kennedy, whose policies are closely related to his father’s policy. George Tenet’s 1964 “Decline and Fall in U.S. History” study indicated that Kennedy’s father had the moral authority to make these decisions at the beginning of World War II, and that his own views of what was worth doing were also highly likely to be dictated in large part by his father’s, not by his grandfather’s, views.
The Great War (1920–1939) | ‽<#>
The Great War was also a historical event in the United States. For millions of U.S. service men, there was little of the country’s history that was otherwise recognizable. The American psyche was fundamentally one of “history,” and the U.S. military was a part of it. A nation-wide strategy of military operation was a very important part of the American psyche. American generals tried to make the most out of what was available from world leaders, but there was great resistance within the military organization and for years, they were forced to abandon that leadership view of military operation.
The Great War did not have a great lasting impact on the American psyche. Despite the American exceptionalism, a large number of patriotic service men still had strong ties to their former military superiors, including President Woodrow Wilson who personally supported Wilson throughout the war. But the Great War was not a major factor in their life-long devotion to their country.
But, by and large, the military was no longer a significant aspect of American national life. Much of the focus was on the social and cultural components of the country and the country as a whole. A large part of American political life began with the Civil War. The Civil War brought about a transformation of the military and created a great divide. The Civil War helped to galvanize the nation in opposition to the American military and was instrumental in setting in motion the social and racial changes that drove the United States toward the war.
Spartacus Educational, n.ds.
The first test of a leader and an effective leader. You must first understand how they can be effective leaders and what your leaders learn from those leaders, particularly one who is perceived as
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