Mid+20th+century+group+5+a+Peace+Corps+established+(1961)

=Peace Corps Established (1961)= == = =

Overview
On March 1, 1961, President John F. Kennedy issues an executive order establishing the Peace Corps as a new agency within the Department of State. The same day, President Kennedy sent a message to Congress asking for permanent funding for the agency, which would send trained American men and women to foreign nations to assist in development efforts. The Peace Corps was greatly accepted by the U.S public and soon after the Peace Corps were established thousands of young Americans wanted to volunteer. Soon 750 volunteers were chosen to serve in 13 nations in 1961. The Peace Corps was off to a successful start almost immediately.

[[image:kennedy-peace-corps2.jpg width="273" height="150" align="right" caption="President Kennedy issues the Peace Corps " link="http://www.virginia.edu/insideuva/2003/12/images/peace-corps.jpg"]]
By September 22, 1961, Kennedy signed congressional legislation creating a permanent Peace Corps that would "promote world peace and friendship" through three goals: first to help the peoples of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women, second to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served; and third to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. Once the volunteers arrived in the country they were assigned, particularly in Latin America, Africa, Asia, or the Middle East. They began working side by side with the people of these nations. The Peace Corps volunteers helped build sewer and water systems; constructed and taught in schools; assisted in developing new crops and agricultural methods to increase productivity; and participated in numerous other projects.

Conclusion/Historical Significance
==== President Kennedy promised aid to the poor of the world. "To those peoples in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery," he said, "we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required--not because the communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right." Kennedy later said "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." The youth of America did ask and the response was to join the Peace Corps, and join they did. By the end of 1963, 7,000 volunteers were in the field, serving in 44 Third World countries. In 1966, Peace Corps enrollment peaked, with more than 15,000 volunteers in 52 countries. The program was judged a success in terms of helping to "win the hearts and minds" of people in the underdeveloped world and it proved to be one of the most innovative and highly publicized Cold War programs set up by the United States.