Summary: President Eisenhower’s 1961 televised “Farewell Address” is notable in that he used his stature as both a president and a former military commander to warn about the rise of a “military-industrial complex” that could have undue influence on public policy, scientific research, and academic freedom. He warned that this potential threat to American liberties through “unwarranted influence” and “misplaced power” could only be resisted by an “alert and informed citizenry”. This lesson will examine the role of the citizen regarding defense policy and spending.
Overarching Questions
- CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- ECONOMICS: How has technology (e.g., ships, canals, railroads, newspapers, telegraphs, radio, television, the internet and social media) spread ideas and influenced public opinion, the economy and/or the government? Did the changes strengthen or weaken democratic institutions?
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies
- 6.1.12.EconEM.12.a: Assess the role of the public and private sectors in promoting economic growth and ensuring economic stability.
- 6.1.12.HistoryCC.12.a: Examine constitutional issues involving war powers, as they relate to United States military intervention in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts.
- 6.1.12.HistoryCC.12.c: Analyze efforts to eliminate communism, such as McCarthyism, and their impact on individual civil liberties.
Link to Lesson: Lesson coming soon.
Supplemental Links:
- Farewell Address (1961) | Teaching American History
- Waging Peace_Two Farewells_FINAL.pdf (eisenhowerfoundation.net)