Letters to the President

By carefully examining letters written to President Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Little Rock Crisis on both sides of the issue, students will better understand the role of the President of the United States. Specifically, they will learn how Eisenhower balanced what he saw as his legal duties as president with the opinions and beliefs of the people of the United States. After reading and analyzing one letter carefully using a written documentary analysis worksheet, students will discuss what a response from President Eisenhower’s staff to concerned citizens might contain and write a draft of that response to share with the class.