The Ike Age Slides The Ike Age
Political Values & Popularity in the 1950s
I Like Ike!
I Like Ike!
I Like Ike!
I Like Ike!
I Like Ike!
Warm-Up: Decoding the Button
I LIKE
IKE
Analyze this campaign button:
• Who or what do you think "Ike" refers to?
• Why would someone choose to wear this button in 1952?
Watch & Learn
Embedded media
Guiding Question: What were the three main reasons Alice’s parents liked Eisenhower?
Why was Ike so Popular?
Support for Veterans
As a WWII hero, Ike supported the GI Bill, helping families buy homes and start careers.
Anti-Communism
In the face of the Cold War, Americans wanted a strong military leader to keep them safe.
Moderation
He stayed in the middle—a "moderate" who tried to find solutions everyone could agree on.
Activity: Campaign Manager 1952
Your Mission: Design a campaign poster that sells Ike to 1952 America.
Requirements:
Catchy main slogan (e.g., "I Like Ike!")
A visual symbol or illustration
Mention of all 3 values: Veterans, Anti-Communism, & Moderation
Use your worksheet for the design!
Campaign Showcase
Let's Discuss:
How do these values (Veterans, Anti-Communism, Moderation) compare to what we look for in a president today?
Which of Ike's traits was most effective in keeping the nation unified during the Cold War?
Looking for similarities...
Finding differences...
Exit Ticket
Why was a military background considered such a positive trait for a president in the 1950s?
Write one strong sentence in your notebook!
Campaign Trail Worksheet Campaign Trail Notebook
1950s Political Values & The Ike Age
Name:
Date:
Warm-Up: Decoding the Button
Based on the "I Like Ike" button, answer the following:
1. Who or what is "Ike"?
2. Why would a voter wear this button? What does it suggest about the candidate's personality?
Alice's Notebook: Why They Like Ike
While watching the video, identify the three political values mentioned by Alice's parents.
Value #1
Details from video:
Value #2
Details from video:
Value #3
Details from video:
Campaign Manager 1952
Poster Design Space
Main Slogan
How does your poster show all 3 values?
Exit Ticket
Why was a military background considered a positive trait for a president in the 1950s?
Political Values Anchor Chart Political Values of the 1950s
Why America Liked Ike
President
IKE
Support for Veterans
As a former War Hero, Eisenhower understood the sacrifices of soldiers.
Supported the GI Bill
Experienced battlefield leader
Anti-Communism
Americans wanted a Strong Leader to fight the Cold War.
Kept the nation safe
Promoted national security
Moderation & Compromise
Ike was a "Middle of the Road" politician who kept the country unified.
Extreme Right
Moderate Ike
Extreme Left
Unity • Security • Prosperity
Ikes Playbook Teacher Guide Ike's Playbook
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Grade Level
6-8
Objective
Students will identify key political values of the 1950s (Support for Veterans, Anti-Communism, Moderation) and explain how these values drove President Eisenhower's popularity during the Cold War.
Materials Needed
The Ike Age Slides
Campaign Trail Worksheet
Political Values Anchor Chart
Colors/Markers for posters
Lesson Pacing
05m
Warm-Up: The Button
Use Slide 2. Have students analyze the "I Like Ike" button. Focus on why a nickname like "Ike" makes a leader feel accessible and friendly.
10m
Viewing & Note-Taking
Watch video (0:00–4:31). Stop periodically (see below) to allow students to fill in the "Alice's Notebook" section of their worksheet.
20m
Campaign Manager 1952 Activity
Students work in pairs to design a poster. Challenge them to incorporate all three values into one cohesive visual message.
15m
Discussion & Closure
Gallery walk of posters followed by the comparison discussion on Slide 6. End with the Exit Ticket.
Critical Pause Points
1:48 – The War Hero
Ask: "Why would a veteran's leadership feel different than a career politician's during the Cold War?"
2:49 – Anti-Communism
Ask: "What kind of safety were Americans looking for when they supported anti-communist policies?"
3:35 – The Moderate
Ask: "Alice's mom calls Ike a 'friend who finds a solution for everyone.' Is this always a good thing in a president?"
4:31 – Synthesis
Have students review their 3 values and ensure they have a definition for each before starting the activity.
Worksheet Answer Key
Warm-Up
Ike: Nickname for Dwight D. Eisenhower.Why wear it: Shows friendliness, simplicity, and a sense of trust/likability ("I Like").
Value 1: Support for Veterans
Eisenhower was a WWII war hero. He supported the GI Bill, which helped veterans integrate back into civilian life (homes, education).
Value 2: Anti-Communism
A major Cold War priority. Ike promoted national security and anti-communist laws (Communist Control Act) to make Americans feel safe from Soviet threats.
Value 3: Moderation/Compromise
Staying in the middle of political extremes. Ike's "Middle Way" focused on national unity and avoiding radical changes during a time of anxiety.
