Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter
James Earl Carter, Jr. (born October 1, 1924) is an American politician, farmer, Sunday school teacher, and philanthropist who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a Georgia state senator from 1963 to 1967 and as the 76th governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975.
Carter was born in Plains, Georgia, to James Earl Carter, Sr., a farmer and businessman, and Lillian Gordy Carter, a registered nurse. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1946 and served in the United States Navy for seven years. After leaving the Navy, Carter returned to Georgia and became a peanut farmer. He entered politics in 1962, when he was elected to the Georgia State Senate. He served in the Senate for four years before being elected governor of Georgia in 1970.
As governor, Carter implemented a number of progressive reforms, including desegregating the state's schools and mental health facilities. He also created a new state constitution and expanded access to healthcare. Carter's success as governor led him to run for president in 1976. He won the election and became the 39th president of the United States.
During his presidency, Carter focused on human rights, energy conservation, and peace. He established the Department of Energy and signed the Camp David Accords, which led to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Carter also negotiated the return of the Panama Canal to Panama.
Carter's presidency was also marked by a number of challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis, the Three Mile Island nuclear accident, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. He was defeated in the 1980 presidential election by Ronald Reagan.
After leaving office, Carter founded the Carter Center, a non-profit organization that promotes peace and human rights around the world. He has also written a number of books, including his autobiography, Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President (1982).
Carter is the longest-living U.S. president in history. He and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, have four children: John William "Jack" Carter, James Earl Carter III, Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter, and Amy Lynn Carter.
Awards and honors:
- Nobel Peace Prize (2002)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (1999)
- Congressional Gold Medal (1998)
- Jimmy Carter Library and Museum (opened in 1986)
Legacy:
Jimmy Carter is a respected statesman and humanitarian. He is known for his commitment to peace, human rights, and social justice. Carter's work through the Carter Center has helped to improve the lives of millions of people around the world.
Carter is also a role model for many people. He is an example of someone who has used their platform to make a positive difference in the world. Carter is a reminder that one person can make a difference.
