Conversation Between the President and Eleanor Roosevelt, Discussing the Peace Corps, 1 March 1961.

What did Kennedy claim was the core purpose of the Peace Corps?

To give young Americans a way to “better mankind,” emphasizing moral and humanistic motives rather than material reward.

How does Kennedy portray the lifestyle of Peace Corps volunteers?

Volunteers would not be reimbursed lavishly and would live modestly—reinforcing the idea of service as selfless and virtuous.

What generational goal does Kennedy associate with the Peace Corps?

He sees it as a tool to reorient young Americans away from individual ambition toward national service and collective responsibility.

What does Eleanor Roosevelt suggest, and how does Kennedy respond?

She proposes a domestic version of the Peace Corps for deprived U.S. areas. Kennedy says it’s being considered, but continuing with the international focus may reflect foreign policy priorities.

What tension is revealed by Kennedy’s response to Roosevelt’s question?

It suggests a potential gap between addressing domestic inequality and projecting American values abroad—highlighting soft power ambitions over internal reform.