Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Wednesday, December 6
    Trending
    • This Day in History on December 6th
    • History Short: America’s Magnificent Monuments
    • This Day in History on December 5th
    • History Short: What Do Former US Presidents Do?
    • This Day in History on December 4th
    • History Short: Casino Fire Leads to a Hit Song
    • This Day in History on December 3rd
    • History Short: Disputed Presidential Elections are Nothing New!
    History and Headlines
    • Arts & Entertainment
      • Cinema & TV
      • Games
      • Literature
      • Music
      • Sports
      • Video Games
    • Bizarre Bulletin
      • Misconceptions
      • The Bizarre
      • The Paranormal
      • The Unexplained
    • Lifestyle
      • Animals/Pets
      • Fashion
      • Food
      • Health/Medicine
      • Home Improvement
      • Horoscopes
      • Travel
    • Science & Tech
      • Inventions
      • Nature
      • Vehicles
    • Society
      • Business and Economics
      • Crime
      • Military
      • Politics
      • Religion
      • Society
    • About
      • Welcome to Our Site!
      • This Day in History (articles)
      • This Day in History (categories)
      • Table of Contents: A History of the World
      • Online History Textbooks
      • A Guide to Some of Our Favorite Scholars and Educators
      • Advance Screenings and Movie Reviews Archive
      • Schedule of Video Adaptations of Our Articles
    • Friends
      • Armchair History TV
      • Fact Fiend
      • RealClearHistory
      • Simply Charly
      • TopTenz
      • ​Unique Interpretations
    History and Headlines
    You are at:Home»January»January 17»January 17, 1961: Eisenhower Warns of “Military Industrial Complex”
    January 17

    January 17, 1961: Eisenhower Warns of “Military Industrial Complex”

    Major DanBy Major DanJanuary 17, 2017Updated:January 15, 202030 Comments3 Mins Read
    Email Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Reddit Telegram Tumblr Twitter VKontakte WhatsApp

    A Brief History

    On January 17, 1961, outgoing President Dwight David Eisenhower (better known as “Ike”) made his farewell address to the nation, a tradition of outgoing Presidents since George Washington left office.

    Digging Deeper

    Ike’s speech was unique in that he warned the public of the “Military Industrial Complex,” the big business of war.

    During the Eisenhower years, defense spending made up an enormous part of the US budget (roughly 75 to 55% of government spending!) compared to today (20-25% of government spending).  Ike also warned of deficit spending and massive government subsidy of science and technology industries, lest science and technology become tainted by a government slant.  His warning to the nation was to think ahead and avoid “living for today.”

    Televised for the US public, this stunning speech warning of such downfalls must have sounded a bit odd, since while he was President Ike did nothing especially to reduce these alleged spending pitfalls.  Ike perpetuated the New Deal programs, even to the point of expanding them.  Ike supported the gigantic Interstate Highway program and also supported our entry into the Space Race.  In fact, only 3 of Ike’s 8 budgets (he was President from 1953-1961) were balanced budgets.  Ike’s time in office also saw the last 2 states admitted to the Union (Alaska and Hawaii).

    Eisenhower had been a popular World War II hero as a five star general (Army) in charge of the Western Allied European Theater, including command of the D-Day Invasion of Normandy.  In fact, Ike was the only General elected President during the 20th Century, after the previous century in which many Presidents had been generals.  Ike’s time as President was marked by the cloud of the Cold War, although the US was still reaping the benefits of having been the only major industrialized nation not devastated by World War II.  It was a time of prosperity and optimism.

    Eisenhower’s farewell address, especially the “military industrial complex” part has often been referred to as a warning about how big moneyed interests may steer our nation into wars that may not be necessary or moral, but for the benefit of big business and defense contractors.  This specter was often raised during the War in Vietnam and again during the Gulf War I and II.

    A heavy smoker (3 packs a day), Ike had suffered from 7 heart attacks between 1955 and his death in 1969.  He had also suffered from gall stones and adrenal tumors.  Generally considered a respected and popular public figure and President, one thing Ike may be criticized for was giving us Richard M. Nixon as his Vice-President!  Question for students (and subscribers):Do you like Ike?  Please tell us what you do and do not like about this war hero and President in the comments section below this article.

    If you liked this article and would like to receive notification of new articles, please feel welcome to subscribe to History and Headlines by liking us on Facebook and becoming one of our patrons!

    Your readership is much appreciated!

    Historical Evidence

    For more information, please see…

    • Video of television broadcast of speech
    • Fifty Years After Eisenhower’s Farewell Address, A Look at Prophets of War video report by Democracy Now!
    • Full text of the speech
    Share. Email Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Reddit Telegram Twitter Tumblr
    Previous ArticleJanuary 16, 1970: R. Buckminster Fuller gets Gold Medal from American Institute of Architects
    Next Article January 18, 2005: Largest Passenger Plane in History Unveiled (Airbus A380)
    Major Dan
    Major Dan

      Major Dan is a retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Cold War and has traveled to many countries around the world. Prior to his military service, he graduated from Cleveland State University, having majored in sociology. Following his military service, he worked as a police officer eventually earning the rank of captain prior to his retirement.

      Related Posts

      History Short: America’s Magnificent Monuments

      December 6, 2023

      History Short: What Do Former US Presidents Do?

      December 5, 2023

      History Short: Disputed Presidential Elections are Nothing New!

      December 3, 2023

      <span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="15157 https://www.historyandheadlines.com/?p=15157">30 Comments

      1. Avatar
        Jared A. Hutt on February 11, 2017 4:12 pm

        The U.S. spent an enormous amount of money of defense back then. I had no idea.

        Reply
      2. Avatar
        Kay McCargish on February 13, 2017 1:03 pm

        55 to 75% ! That is a huge defense spending budget. I think we spend too much today.

        Reply
      3. Avatar
        Dan Sumpter on February 13, 2017 9:31 pm

        You have to respect Ike for his military career and rank.

        Reply
      4. Avatar
        Cara Zang on February 14, 2017 3:28 pm

        I am amazed at the amount spent for the defense. They always say with every good offense comes a good defense but this seems outrageous! There probably should have been more focus on offense than defense.

        Reply
      5. Avatar
        Christie Benton on February 16, 2017 1:23 pm

        Imagine how differently things would’ve been had he not used Nixon as his Vice President. Ford would not have had to pardon Nixon in an effort to get the country past Watergate.

        Reply
      6. Avatar
        Dan Fidoe on February 16, 2017 3:58 pm

        Whoa. 3 packs a day and 7 heart attacks. Surprised he was able to survive those during that time when medical technology was still in its infancy. And what does the government know about a budget. Every president talks about the budget and still spends recklessly. It’s common practice.

        Reply
      7. Avatar
        Bailey Cleary on February 16, 2017 8:03 pm

        No wonder he had health problems with smoking that much!

        Reply
      8. Avatar
        Luke Lyden on February 16, 2017 8:41 pm

        I found the smoking to be quite alarming as well. he was a great war hero though in times where all the effects of smoking were not all discovered.

        Reply
      9. Avatar
        Jason Orellano on February 17, 2017 2:51 pm

        How did he even survive that long. Some people lives the most unhealthiest lives and live so recklessly but live forever. He will always be a historic icon in USA history.

        Reply
      10. Avatar
        Juan Rodriguez on February 17, 2017 8:58 pm

        President Eisenhower was good president and great general. I totally agree with his farewell speech because we do go into war sometimes because big business push the government into it to make a profit.

        Reply
      11. Avatar
        Mackenzie H on February 17, 2017 10:17 pm

        3 out of 8 budgets were balanced budgets.

        Reply
      12. Avatar
        Shaun Emerick on February 18, 2017 2:38 am

        He may have done nothing during his presidency to reduce the spending pitfalls in the government, but that is probably why he put it in his unique farewell speech. It was a last bit of business he wanted to get out of the way, and it worked overtime since defense spending is down today 30-35%.

        Reply
      13. Avatar
        Jared Good on February 18, 2017 9:50 am

        I thought it was a unique speech but however it did put out there what was going on with our nation and the spending.

        Reply
      14. Avatar
        Jeffrey Keenan on February 18, 2017 12:19 pm

        Suffering through 7 heart attacks sounds like a horrible time. President Eisenhower did a good thing by warning us during his speech, however he should have done something about this issue while in office.

        Reply
      15. Avatar
        Kacey Kovac on February 18, 2017 8:39 pm

        It amazes me that he was somehow able to survive 7 heart attacks! What a medical miracle! He for sure wasn’t going down without a fight!

        Reply
      16. Avatar
        John Milton on February 18, 2017 10:24 pm

        Ike must have had a cigarette in his hand constantly with smoking 3 packs a day! And living through 7 heart attacks, I can’t believe he made it to 7.

        Reply
      17. Avatar
        Jeremiah Linden on February 19, 2017 7:57 pm

        President Eisenhower was a smart individual when it came to politics. However, his intelligence did not carry over to his health.

        Reply
      18. Avatar
        Shannon Smith on February 19, 2017 9:53 pm

        Sounds like he was a respectable man. He was just trying to be honest with the nation in his resignation speech.

        Reply
      19. Avatar
        Chelsey R Stillings on February 24, 2017 7:48 pm

        I give this man respect for being honest during his speech.

        Reply
      20. Avatar
        Michael Tovissi on April 12, 2017 12:16 pm

        I think a good president should be honest with the people which is what he did. Also, he has done so much during World War 2 including taking charge of the D-Day invasion. He has earned my respect.

        Reply
      21. Avatar
        Angela Kessinger on April 16, 2017 10:13 pm

        Honesty is something you do not usually associate with a politician. He defiantly should be commended for such honesty and everything he accomplished.

        Reply
      22. Avatar
        Misty Prosser on April 16, 2017 10:31 pm

        Kudo’s for him for being honest in his speech, it seems like honesty is very hard to have in politics.

        Reply
      23. Avatar
        Adrian Lewers on April 18, 2017 8:11 pm

        I am a firm believer of practice what you preach. Although he only balanced 3 of the 8 budgets, at least he made an attempt.

        Reply
      24. Avatar
        Tiffany on April 18, 2017 9:37 pm

        It is a shame his warnings went unnoticed and I am sure not by accident. I do commend him for his honesty and some of the things he did do while in office.

        Reply
      25. Avatar
        Kyle Gelenius on April 19, 2017 8:55 pm

        You would think after seven heart attacks it would be a wakeup call to stop smoking! Nevertheless, President Eisenhower was a remarkable leader given all his accomplishments of WWII and erecting the Interstate Highway Program. What is interesting, when Eisenhower left office he was seen as old and outdated, while his successor, President Kennedy, was seen to be youthful and full of vigor. Moreover, having Richard Nixon as his Vice President didn’t help him any.

        Reply
      26. Avatar
        Jaisun on April 21, 2017 10:40 am

        I see many people have commented on the 34th president’s smoking. I would offer that some perspective be given to it. He grew up during a time when the government said that “smoking was good for you”. Based on the culture and perception of the time (unlike the world we live in now, when we all know the dangers that smoking poses to one’s health), smoking was seen as being “cool”. He probably started the habit as a young man and thought there was nothing wrong with smoking that much.He was a product of the environment that he grew up in.

        Reply
      27. Avatar
        Nakia Bridges on April 24, 2017 12:41 pm

        President Eisenhower was a very honest man just sad that with the health issues he had that they went unseen and that ultimately cost him his life.

        Reply
      28. Avatar
        Payton Brown on April 25, 2017 1:17 pm

        I think President Eisenhower became president at a critical time. Our country came out on top thanks to his leadership.

        Reply
      29. Avatar
        Amanda Miller on April 27, 2017 9:33 pm

        President Eisenhower warned the people about those things he said in his goodbye speech makes you wonder while he was in office did he do anything he said while he was campaigning?

        Reply
      30. Avatar
        MIA on April 28, 2017 11:28 am

        President Eisenhower seemed to have been a very good president. It’s unfortunate that he had health issues, but he sure is appreciated and recognized

        Reply

      Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

      Follow Us!
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • YouTube
      • Patreon
      Sign Up For Our Newsletter!
      Most Recent

      This Day in History on December 6th

      December 6, 2023

      History Short: America’s Magnificent Monuments

      December 6, 2023

      This Day in History on December 5th

      December 5, 2023

      History Short: What Do Former US Presidents Do?

      December 5, 2023

      This Day in History on December 4th

      December 4, 2023
      This Day in History Video

      Advertisements




      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure Statement

      As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases via links in the “Historical Evidence” sections of articles.

      About HistoryAndHeadlines.com

      Thanks for visiting History and Headlines!  This site exists primarily for educational purposes and is intended as a resource for Dr. Zar’s students.  Articles are mostly written by either Dr. Zar or his dad (Major Dan).  To any guest readers, please keep that in mind when commenting on articles.   Thank you!

      We try to present our students with historical topics that are both diverse and a bit out of the ordinary.  Our motto is “We try until we succeed!”

      Contact us at admin@historyandheadlines.com

      Guidelines and Policies for Images used on This Site, as well as for Guest and Sponsored Articles, and Other Terms of Use

      Privacy Statement

      © 2023 History and Headlines

      All-Time Most Commented

      July 28, 1866: 18 Year Old Girl Wins Commission to Sculpt Statue of Lincoln (A Truly Great American Woman)

      July 28, 2014

      December 24, 1865: Birth of the Ku Klux Klan

      December 24, 2015

      December 25, 1868: President Johnson Pardons all Confederate Veterans

      December 25, 2015

      February 5, 1909: First Plastic Invented was called Bakelite!

      February 5, 2014

      November 23, 1876: “Boss” Tweed Turned Over to Authorities

      November 23, 2013
      Recommended Book
      © 2023 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.

      Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

      We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

      You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in .

      History and Headlines
      Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
      Privacy Overview

      This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

      Strictly Necessary Cookies

      Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

      If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.