The Encyclopedia of Presidents offers authoritative biographies of each president since 1789, when George Washington was first sworn in. The stories of these key figures and historic events paint a full and lively picture of our nation. Each biography includes color illustrations, a timeline, boxed features on events and people of special interest, and lively text introducing the featured president and the times in which he lived. Dwight D. Eisenhower was a leading U.S. general during World War II, directing the D-Day invasion of German-occupied France in 1944. A career officer in the U.S. Army, Eisenhower had never held political office, but his intelligence, calm manner, and warm smile made him an attractive political candidate. He was elected president on the Republican ticket in 1952 and re-elected in 1956, holding office during a period of prosperity at home and peace abroad. Soon after taking office, Eisenhower achieved an armistice ending the Korean conflict. During the rest of his term, he avoided military involvements overseas, but supported a huge increase in stockpiles of nuclear weapons in an "arms race" with the Communist Soviet Union. He gained approval of the federal Interstate Highway System and strengthened Social Security, the federal insurance system providing benefits to retired workers.

Small town beginning -- Adventures in the peacetime Army -- Supreme Commander, world hero -- Crusade for the presidency -- Dangerous years -- Elder statesman.