Jimmy Carter, the 100-year-old former US president and Nobel peace laureate who rose from humble beginnings in rural Georgia to lead the nation from 1977 to 1981, has died, his nonprofit foundation said Sunday.
James Earl Carter Jr. (born October 1, 1924) is an American former president who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He is also known for his humanitarian work after his presidency, particularly through his work with the Carter Center.
Here are key highlights of his life and legacy:
Early Life and Career:
- Born in Plains, Georgia, Carter grew up on a farm and worked in agriculture before attending the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1946.
- He served as a naval officer until 1953, after which he returned to Georgia to take over his family’s peanut farm.
- His involvement in local politics began in the 1960s, and by 1970, he was elected Governor of Georgia. As governor, he was known for his moderate stance on civil rights and efforts to improve the state’s education system.
Presidency (1977–1981):
- Carter’s presidency was marked by efforts to address domestic issues, such as energy conservation, inflation, and health care. He also promoted human rights as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.
- Some of his key domestic achievements included:
- Energy policy reforms, such as the creation of the Department of Energy and the establishment of conservation measures.
- Camp David Accords (1978): Carter brokered a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, a monumental achievement in Middle East diplomacy.
- Environmental efforts, including the establishment of national parks and the signing of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.
- However, his presidency was also marked by challenges:
- The Iran Hostage Crisis (1979–1981), in which 52 Americans were held hostage in Tehran for 444 days, severely damaged his reputation.
- Economic troubles, such as high inflation and unemployment, which contributed to his loss in the 1980 presidential election.
Post-Presidency:
- After leaving the White House, Carter became one of the most active and respected former presidents in history.
- In 1982, he founded the Carter Center, which focuses on promoting human rights, democracy, and public health worldwide.
- He has been involved in efforts to combat diseases like guinea worm disease, malaria, and HIV/AIDS.
- Carter became a prominent advocate for peace negotiations around the world, often serving as a mediator in conflicts.
Nobel Peace Prize:
- In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of work in international diplomacy, human rights, and conflict resolution, particularly his efforts with the Carter Center.
Personal Life:
- Carter has been married to Rosalynn Carter since 1946, and the couple has four children.
- He is known for his humility, strong religious faith (as a Southern Baptist), and commitment to service. Even in his later years, he continued to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for those in need.
- As of 2024, he is the oldest living U.S. president, having celebrated his 100th birthday in 2024.
Legacy:
- Carter’s legacy is mixed. While his presidency was not considered particularly successful due to the Iranian hostage crisis and economic issues, his post-presidency work earned him widespread admiration. His focus on peace, human rights, and public health has cemented his place as one of the most respected figures in modern American history.
Carter’s life has exemplified dedication to public service, compassion, and the pursuit of peace, making him a distinctive figure in U.S. history.