Peace Corps

The Peace Corps is a volunteer program run by the United States government. It was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy with the goal of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to work in developing countries. The volunteers, known as Peace Corps Volunteers, work on various projects such as education, health, agriculture, and community development.

History of the Peace Corps

The idea for the Peace Corps was first proposed by Senator Hubert Humphrey in 1957. President Kennedy, during his 1960 presidential campaign, promised to create the Peace Corps, and he fulfilled this promise by issuing Executive Order 10924 on March 1, 1961, officially establishing the organization. The first group of volunteers was sent to Ghana later that year.

Goals of the Peace Corps

The Peace Corps has three main goals:

To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Peace Corps Volunteer Experience

Peace Corps Volunteers typically serve for a period of 27 months. They undergo intensive training in the local language, culture, and technical skills related to their assignment before being deployed to their host country. Once in the field, volunteers live and work within the communities they serve, gaining firsthand experience of the local culture and customs.

Impact of the Peace Corps

Since its inception, over 240,000 Americans have served as Peace Corps Volunteers in 142 countries. The Peace Corps is credited with making significant contributions to international development and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Many former volunteers continue to be actively involved in international affairs and development work.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about the Peace Corps:

Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy
Main goals: promoting world peace and friendship, providing assistance to developing countries, and fostering cross-cultural understanding
Volunteers work in various sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and community development
Volunteers undergo training before serving for 27 months in a host country
Over 240,000 Americans have served as Peace Corps Volunteers in 142 countries

Remembering these key points will help you understand the history, goals, and impact of the Peace Corps, as well as the experiences of the volunteers who serve in this important program.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Expansionism

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Standards for Civics and Government (NSCG)

How does the government established by the constitution embody the purposes, values, and principles of American democracy? What does the national government do?

Major responsibilities for domestic and foreign policy. Students should be able to explain the major responsibilities of the national government for domestic and foreign policy. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Identify historical and contemporary examples of important foreign policies, e.g., Monroe Doctrine, Marshall Plan, immigration acts, foreign aid, arms control, promoting democracy and human rights throughout the world

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Comprehension

Reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage.

United States History Content Standards

Era 4: Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)

United States territorial expansion between 1801 and 1861, and how it affected relations with external powers and Native Americans.

The student understands the international background and consequences of the Louisiana Purchase, the War of 1812, and the Monroe Doctrine.

Era 6: The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900)

Federal Indian policy and United States foreign policy after the Civil War.

The student understands the roots and development of American expansionism and the causes and outcomes of the Spanish-American War.

World History Content Standards

Era 7: An Age of Revolutions, 1750-1914

Patterns of nationalism, state-building, and social reform in Europe and the Americas, 1830-1914.

The student understands the political, economic, and social transformations in the Americas in the 19th century.