Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division escort the Little Rock Nine students into the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, 1957. U.S. Army
President Eisenhower
The 34th president of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, played a very important role in protecting the nine students. Originally, Eisenhower was hesitant to make a bold statement because he believed that Governor Faubus would comply with the Brown v. Board case, but his belief couldn't have been more wrong.
Eisenhower nationalized the state guard and ordered them to escort students in
(New York Times)
Eisenhower's Order
The same highly respected 101st Airborne that held off the Germans at Bastogne were now part of an even bigger movement, ensuring the future safety of all marginalized people.
After Governor Faubus declined a request from the government to allow integration, Eisenhower had to make a decision: it was the responsibility of the government to ensure a safe learning environment. Eisenhower made the executive order to nationalize the National Guard of Arkansas and ordered them to protect the students' entry.
The 101st Airborne division ensuring the safety of the black students (Getty images)
Historical Effect
Eisenhower’s decision marked a turning point in government policy. This decision created a ripple effect, and many future laws were passed ensuring that the government was responsible for maintaining the rights of the people. This act led to the passing of one of the most important milestones in the history of America, the Civil Rights Act of 1965. It ensured that discrimination against others based on race is now illegal.
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