Historical1961
Eisenhower's Farewell Address
President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered his farewell address, warning the nation about the growing influence of the "military-industrial complex." The former five-star general cautioned that the combination of a large military establishment and arms industry could exert undue influence on government policy.
Why It Matters
Eisenhower's warning about the military-industrial complex became one of the most cited presidential speeches, raising enduring questions about the relationship between defense spending, industry, and democratic governance.