Jimmy Carter (1924-2024)
39th President of the United States (1977-1981)
He was preceded in the Presidency by Gerald Ford and after serving one term in office for the Democrats with Walter Mondale as his Vice-President he was defeated by Ronald Reagan in the 1980 Presidential election. However, his remarkable career extended far beyond his single presidential term. Born in Plains, Georgia, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and served as a naval officer which included work on nuclear submarine programs under Admiral Hyman Rickover. After his father's death in 1953, Carter returned to Georgia to manage the family peanut farming business. He entered politics in the 1960s, serving in the Georgia State Senate before serving as Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. He championed civil rights and government efficiency, helping to establish his reputation as a reformer.
His presidential campaign in 1976 capitalized on post-Watergate desires for an outsider candidate. His presidency faced significant challenges, including economic stagflation, the Iran hostage crisis, and an energy crisis. Despite these difficulties, he achieved notable successes in foreign policy, including the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, the Panama Canal Treaties, and emphasis on human rights in international relations.
His presidential campaign in 1976 capitalized on post-Watergate desires for an outsider candidate. His presidency faced significant challenges, including economic stagflation, the Iran hostage crisis, and an energy crisis. Despite these difficulties, he achieved notable successes in foreign policy, including the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, the Panama Canal Treaties, and emphasis on human rights in international relations.
After losing re-election to Ronald Reagan in 1980, Carter redefined the post-presidency role. Through the Carter Center, founded in 1982, he became a global advocate for democracy, human rights, and public health. He has monitored elections worldwide, helped eradicate diseases like Guinea worm, and mediated international conflicts. His humanitarian work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and he remained active in Habitat for Humanity, building homes for those in need, into his nineties. His post-presidential career, spanning over four decades, is regarded as one of the most impactful in American history, demonstrating how former presidents can continue serving the public long after leaving office. In 1946, he married Rosalynn Smith and had 4-children.
