“What should he have done? Started WW3?”
In 1956 with the Soviets at a huge numerical disadvantage in strategic forces?
How about him not forcing the German government to deny fuel to the aircraft the resistance wanted to use to bring supplies to the freedom fighters, supplies that the anti-communist forces were counting on to sustain their revolt and promised by Eisenhower, sticking their necks out in expectation of that support.
His arm twisting of the German government to deny that support cost the lives of at least 50,000 freedom fighters who were slaughtered in Budapest.
“In 1956 with the Soviets at a huge numerical disadvantage in strategic forces?”
In 1956 the USA had 2,123 strategic warheads deployed on 1,470 strategic bombers.
In 1956 the USSR had 120 strategic warheads deployed on 40 strategic bombers.
Should Ike have bombed the crap out of the USSR???