Contextualization

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, was a man of many accomplishments. He was a five-star general in the United States Army during World War II and served as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe. His leadership during the war was instrumental in the successful invasion of Normandy, leading to the liberation of Western Europe.

But Eisenhower's influence extended beyond the battlefield. As President, he oversaw a period of significant change in the United States, both domestically and internationally. The Eisenhower era, often referred to as the "Happy Days," is characterized by economic prosperity, the rise of the middle class, and advancements in science and technology.

However, it's important to note that Eisenhower's presidency also faced challenges, such as the Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union, the struggle for civil rights in America, and the escalating conflict in Vietnam.

Today, Eisenhower's legacy can still be felt in our society. His emphasis on infrastructure, particularly the construction of the Interstate Highway System, has shaped modern America. His approach to foreign policy, known as the "New Look," which emphasized the use of nuclear weapons as a deterrent, has also influenced subsequent administrations.

Resources

In order to delve deeper into the life and legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the following resources are recommended:

1. Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library: This official website contains a wealth of information about Eisenhower's life, presidency, and policies.

2. The American Presidency Project: This resource provides a comprehensive collection of documents, speeches, and public papers related to Eisenhower's presidency.

3. Biography.com: This page offers a concise biography of Eisenhower, highlighting his key achievements and challenges.

4. National Archives: This educational resource from the National Archives provides lesson plans and activities about Eisenhower's presidency.

5. Books: "Eisenhower in War and Peace" by Jean Edward Smith and "Ike's Bluff: President Eisenhower's Secret Battle to Save the World" by Evan Thomas are recommended for a more in-depth understanding of Eisenhower's life and presidency.

Remember, the goal of this project is not only to understand the historical significance of Dwight D. Eisenhower but also to explore how his decisions and actions have shaped the world we live in today.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Eisenhower's Impact: A Journey through History and Politics

Objective of the Project:

The main objective of this project is to understand and analyze the life, achievements, and legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower. This will be done through the following tasks:

1. Researching Eisenhower's life, military career, and presidency.
2. Understanding the social, economic, and political context of the Eisenhower era.
3. Analyzing the impact of Eisenhower's policies on the United States and the world.
4. Reflecting on the relevance of Eisenhower's principles and decisions in today's society and global politics.

Detailed Description of the Project:

In this project, groups of 3 to 5 students will delve into the life and legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower. The project will be divided into four main tasks:

1. Biography and Military Career: Students will research and present the significant events in Eisenhower's life and his notable contributions as a military leader.

2. The Eisenhower Era: Students will explore and present the social, economic, and political landscape of the United States during Eisenhower's presidency.

3. Eisenhower's Policies and their Effects: Students will analyze and present the key policies implemented by Eisenhower and their impact on the United States and the world.

4. Relevance of Eisenhower's Principles Today: Students will reflect and discuss how Eisenhower's principles and decisions are still relevant in today's society and global politics.

This project will require approximately 5 to 10 hours per student and should be completed within one month.

Necessary Materials:

• Access to the internet for research.
• Books, articles, and other resources about Dwight D. Eisenhower.
• Art supplies for creative presentation (optional).

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity:

Step 1: Formation of Groups and Distribution of Tasks (1 hour)

Form groups of 3 to 5 students. Assign each group the four main tasks of the project: Eisenhower's biography and military career, the Eisenhower era, Eisenhower's policies and their effects, and the relevance of his principles today.

Step 2: Research (3-5 hours)

Each group member should research their assigned topic using the provided resources and any additional reliable sources they find. Take notes on significant events, key policies, and their effects.

Step 3: Group Discussion and Synthesis (1-2 hours)

After the individual research, the group should come together to share their findings and synthesize them into coherent themes and arguments.

Step 4: Presentation Preparation (1-2 hours)

Based on their research and discussions, each group should prepare a presentation to share their findings with the class. This could be a PowerPoint presentation, a poster, or a skit, among other creative options.

Step 5: Presentation and Discussion (30 minutes per group)

Each group presents their work to the class, followed by a discussion facilitated by the presenting group. The discussion should encourage critical thinking and provide an opportunity to learn from the perspectives of other groups.

Step 6: Reflection and Report Writing (2-3 hours)

After the presentations, each group should write a report detailing their findings, discussions, and reflections. The report should be structured as follows:

• Introduction: Contextualize the theme, its relevance, and the objective of the project.
• Development: Detail the theory behind the theme, explain the activity in detail, indicate the methodology used, and present and discuss the obtained results.
• Conclusion: Conclude the work by revisiting its main points, explicitly stating the learnings obtained, and the conclusions drawn about the project.
• Bibliography: Indicate the sources referred to during the project.

Project Deliverables:

The main deliverable of this project is a written report, detailing the research, discussions, and reflections on Dwight D. Eisenhower. The report should be structured as described above and should reflect the group's understanding of Eisenhower's life, his era, his policies, and their impacts.

Additionally, each group will make a presentation of their findings, encouraging class participation and fostering discussion.

By the end of the project, students should have a holistic understanding of Dwight D. Eisenhower, his impact on the United States and the world, and the relevance of his principles and decisions in today's society. They will have developed essential skills such as research, analysis, teamwork, and communication.