Why did president dwight

d. eisenhower deploy federal troops to little rock, arkansas, in 1957?

To prevent African American students from enrolling in central high school

Eisenhower deployed the 101st Airborne Division to Little Rock to protect the African American students. The Supreme Court had just ruled segregated schools unconstitutional, but the Governor of the area had ordered for the National Guard to prevent the students from entering. Eisenhower wanted to make sure the court ruling was upheld.