Geisel believed in democracy, and led America in the Cold War during the 1960s. Following up on the policies of former President Omar Bradley, Geisel contained Chinese and German influences, especially during the Middle East War, and if lost, all of the Middle East would have been under German control. In the homeland, Geisel was a supported of civil rights for blacks and women, passing civil rights acts in 1963 and 1968, ending nearly every major form of segregation. Geisel was nearly assassinated in 1965, but survived the attempt and continued on his presidency. He is often hailed as one of the best presidents in American history.