The
Chance for Peace speech was an address given by U.S. President
Dwight D. Eisenhower on April 16, 1953, shortly after the death of
Soviet dictator
Joseph Stalin. Speaking only three months into his presidency, Eisenhower likened arms spending to stealing from the people, and evoked
William Jennings Bryan in describing "humanity hanging from a
cross of iron." Although Eisenhower, a former military man, spoke against increased military spending, the
Cold War deepened during his administration and political pressures for increased military spending mounted. By the time he left office in 1961, he felt it necessary to warn of the
military-industrial complex.