The map above shows the result of the 1956 US presidential election between Dwight D. Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson II. Turnout for the election was 60.20%.
Here are the key details:
| Winner: | Runner-Up: | |
|---|---|---|
| Name: | Dwight D. Eisenhower | Adlai Stevenson II |
| Political Party: | Republican | Democratic |
| Home state: | Pennsylvania | Illinois |
| VP Name: | Richard Nixon | Estes Kefauver |
| States: Won (Out of 48): | 41 | 7 |
| Electoral College Votes (out of 531): | 457 | 73 |
| Percentage of Popular Vote | 57.37% | 42.00% |
| Total Votes | 35,579,180 | 26,028,028 |
| Margin % | 15.40% | – |
| Margin (votes) | 9,551,152 | – |
| 3rd Place | 4th Place: | |
|---|---|---|
| Name: | Unpledged electors | T. Coleman Andrews |
| Political Party | NA | States’ Rights |
| Electoral College Votes | 0 | 0 |
| Number of Votes: | 196,318 | 108,956 |
| Percentage of Popular Vote: | 0.32% | 0.18% |
Key Issues of The 1956 Election
Here’s a breakdown of the key issues and where each candidate stood on them:
1. Foreign Policy (Cold War)
Dwight D. Eisenhower: Eisenhower’s foreign policy focused on containing communism through alliances (e.g., NATO), economic aid (e.g., Marshall Plan), and military deterrence. He emphasized a strategy of “massive retaliation” with nuclear weapons as a deterrent to Soviet aggression. Eisenhower had ended the Korean War and was committed to maintaining peace and stability, while keeping U.S. defense costs manageable.
Position: He stood for a strong defense posture without dragging the U.S. into more conflicts. His approach emphasized diplomacy and alliances while retaining a significant nuclear deterrent.
Adlai Stevenson: Stevenson criticized Eisenhower’s foreign policy for being too reliant on nuclear weapons. He advocated for a more flexible and nuanced approach to the Cold War, focusing on conventional forces and arms control, as well as stronger efforts toward diplomatic solutions. Stevenson was more willing to consider disarmament agreements with the Soviet Union.
Position: He favored reducing the emphasis on nuclear weapons and sought a greater focus on diplomacy and international cooperation.
2. Civil Rights
Dwight D. Eisenhower: Eisenhower was seen as moderate on civil rights issues. While he wasn’t a vocal advocate for civil rights, his administration had desegregated the armed forces and the federal government, and he sent federal troops to enforce school desegregation in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957 (though this happened after the election). Eisenhower supported gradual change rather than aggressive federal intervention.
Position: Moderate on civil rights; he took steps to enforce desegregation but believed in limited federal involvement.
Adlai Stevenson: Stevenson was more liberal than Eisenhower on civil rights, but he faced political pressure from Southern Democrats who opposed civil rights reforms. While he supported civil rights in principle, he was cautious about alienating Southern voters and didn’t propose any sweeping federal legislation. Stevenson advocated for a slow, state-led approach to desegregation.
Position: Supportive of civil rights but cautious, favoring state-level solutions and slower progress.
3. The Economy
Dwight D. Eisenhower: Eisenhower presided over a period of prosperity and stability, with low inflation and low unemployment. He embraced a conservative fiscal policy, including balanced budgets and reduced federal spending. Eisenhower also expanded Social Security and promoted infrastructure development, most notably the Interstate Highway System.
Position: He supported a balanced budget, low taxes, and limited government intervention, but also implemented some popular social programs.
Adlai Stevenson: Stevenson argued that more could be done to improve the economy for working-class Americans. He criticized Eisenhower for not doing enough to reduce income inequality and for being too cautious with government spending. Stevenson favored more federal investment in education, healthcare, and public works to promote economic growth and reduce inequality.
Position: He advocated for increased government spending on social welfare and public works to promote broader prosperity.
4. Government Programs and Social Welfare
Dwight D. Eisenhower: Eisenhower was a fiscal conservative, but he recognized the political popularity of New Deal programs and worked to maintain them, albeit with more limited growth. His administration expanded Social Security and implemented the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, which created the Interstate Highway System, one of his most significant domestic achievements.
Position: He supported maintaining and modestly expanding existing government programs while limiting new government initiatives.
Adlai Stevenson: Stevenson wanted to expand the social safety net further than Eisenhower was willing to go. He called for increased federal funding for education and healthcare and was open to new government initiatives to address poverty and inequality. He also supported more federal investment in infrastructure.
Position: He favored expanding government programs to address social welfare, particularly in areas like education and healthcare.
5. Farm Policy
Dwight D. Eisenhower: Eisenhower’s farm policy sought to reduce government subsidies for agriculture and promote a free-market approach. He aimed to balance the needs of farmers with fiscal responsibility.
Position: He supported reducing government intervention in agriculture and limiting subsidies.
Adlai Stevenson: Stevenson criticized Eisenhower’s farm policies for neglecting rural America and argued for stronger price supports and government assistance to stabilize farm incomes.
Position: He supported more government intervention in the agricultural sector, particularly through price supports and subsidies.
Why Did Eisenhower Win Again?
Here’s why Eisenhower won again:
1. Personal Popularity
- Eisenhower’s Image: Eisenhower was a celebrated World War II hero, respected for his role as Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe. His calm, reassuring, and likable demeanor made him widely trusted across political lines. He was seen as a stable, moderate leader, often described as “above politics,” and many voters viewed him as a fatherly figure who could guide the country through the Cold War era.
- Appeal to Moderates: Unlike many previous Republican presidents, Eisenhower attracted both Republicans and moderate Democrats, which allowed him to build a broad coalition. His middle-of-the-road approach appealed to Americans who were wary of ideological extremes on either side.
2. Strong Economy
- Economic Prosperity: During Eisenhower’s first term (1953–1956), the U.S. economy was strong, with low inflation and unemployment. There was economic growth, a booming post-war middle class, and rising consumer confidence. Eisenhower’s moderate economic policies, including balancing the federal budget and maintaining low taxes, contributed to a sense of stability and prosperity.
- Infrastructure Development: One of Eisenhower’s key achievements was the creation of the Interstate Highway System, which not only boosted the economy by improving infrastructure but also became a popular program among Americans.
3. Foreign Policy Success
- Ending the Korean War: One of Eisenhower’s major successes was ending the Korean War in 1953, soon after he took office. His decision to negotiate an armistice resonated with the public, who were weary of prolonged conflict.
- Cold War Strategy: Eisenhower’s foreign policy emphasized containment of the Soviet Union, but through diplomacy and alliances, rather than escalating conflicts. His “massive retaliation” nuclear deterrence strategy kept the peace without committing American forces to new wars. His balanced approach reassured voters that he could keep the U.S. out of conflicts while effectively managing Cold War tensions.
4. Perception of Peace and Stability
- Peace and Security: Eisenhower was associated with a sense of peace and global stability. His foreign policy was seen as a successful balancing act during a time of Cold War anxieties. Despite rising tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, there were no major conflicts or escalations during his first term.
- Crisis Management: Eisenhower’s steady hand in managing international crises, such as the Suez Crisis in 1956, helped reinforce the public’s perception that he was a capable and reliable leader in foreign affairs.
5. Civil Rights Stance
- Moderate Progress on Civil Rights: While Eisenhower wasn’t a strong advocate for civil rights, his administration made some progress in desegregating federal facilities and the military. He also appointed federal judges who supported civil rights, and although it happened after the election, his decision to send federal troops to enforce the desegregation of schools in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957 solidified his image as a president who maintained law and order. His moderate stance appealed to voters who were uncomfortable with the more aggressive civil rights policies proposed by some Democrats but still supported gradual progress.
6. Weaker Opposition
- Adlai Stevenson’s Campaign: Stevenson, the Democratic nominee, was an articulate and intelligent candidate, but he struggled to connect with average voters. Many saw him as too intellectual and elitist, and his speeches were often seen as too abstract. Stevenson also failed to articulate a clear alternative to Eisenhower’s policies, particularly on foreign policy, where his more cautious stance on nuclear deterrence didn’t resonate as strongly as Eisenhower’s emphasis on strength and security.
- Divided Democratic Party: The Democratic Party was divided on several key issues, particularly civil rights, where Northern Democrats and Southern segregationists clashed. This division weakened Stevenson’s ability to build a unified campaign.
7. Eisenhower’s Health and Sympathy Vote
- Health Recovery: Eisenhower had suffered a heart attack in 1955, and there were initial concerns about whether he would run for re-election. However, his recovery and decision to run again reassured voters about his health and ability to lead. His resilience in the face of health challenges garnered him additional public sympathy and support.
8. Public Distrust of Radical Change
- Fear of Change: Americans were generally content with the status quo, and there was little appetite for radical change. Eisenhower’s moderate, pragmatic approach appealed to voters who were satisfied with the direction of the country and didn’t want to risk electing a candidate like Stevenson, who might bring about more government intervention in the economy or social programs.
9. Republican Unity and Strategy
- Unified Republican Party: Unlike the Democrats, the Republican Party was largely unified behind Eisenhower’s candidacy. Eisenhower and his running mate, Richard Nixon, were able to mount an effective campaign that emphasized peace, prosperity, and stability. They also portrayed Stevenson as too indecisive and untested on critical issues like foreign policy.
1956 Election Results Map By County
1956 Map From The National Atlas of the United States (now sadly permanently offline)
Other US Presidential Election Maps: