The People to People Program, 1956-60.

Abstract

The People-To-People Program was developed in 1956 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower to promote global peace and understanding. Although it reached the hearts of thousands through its letter Writing and Sister City programs, it experienced philosophical and financial failures. This thesis examines the development, outcomes, successes and failures of the Program from 1956 to 1960. The major findings of this study suggest that the Program's financial problems rested on its inability to gain grants from private sources. As the Program was unable to receive a substantial grant, it contradicted its government-free philosophy by accepting government money. Secondly, the Program's obscured priorities allowed it to become caught up in a Cold War public relations campaign. In addition, the Program started to lose its identity by copying other exchange programs and philanthropic organizations and taking credit for their achievements. In analyzing the Program, an attempt is made to explain how these problems developed. Specific examples from government documents and Eisenhower Library materials are presented to define the Program and its problems.