Jimmy Carter

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Graduation of Jimmy Carter from U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, Rosalynn Carter and Lillian Carter Pinning on Ensign Bars - DPLA - e1b1f2b5b4e38fc82cfe091678fc112a

Jimmy Carter official portrait as Governor

Jimmy Carter and wife with Reubin Askew and his wife

Carter and Ford in a debate, September 23, 1976 (cropped)

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Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter Jr., born October 1, 1924) is an American politician, philanthropist, and former president who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. A member of the Democratic Party, Carter was previously the Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975, and a Georgia State Senator from 1963 to 1967. He is the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, awarded for his work with the Carter Center.

Early Life and Education

Jimmy Carter was born in Plains, Georgia, and grew up in the nearby small town of Archery. His father, James Earl Carter Sr., was a businessman, and his mother, Lillian Gordy Carter, was a registered nurse. He was educated in the Plains public schools, and excelled in academics. After high school, Carter attended Georgia Southwestern College and the Georgia Institute of Technology before entering the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1946 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Naval Career

Following his graduation from the Naval Academy, Carter married Rosalynn Smith in 1946 and began a career in the Navy, eventually serving as a submarine officer. His naval service included duties aboard submarines in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets and work with the development of nuclear propulsion under Admiral Hyman G. Rickover at the United States Atomic Energy Commission.

Political Career

Carter's political career began with his election to the Georgia State Senate in 1962. After serving two terms, he mounted an unsuccessful bid for Governor in 1966, before winning the governorship in 1970. As Governor of Georgia, Carter's tenure was marked by significant educational reforms and measures to improve racial integration.

In 1976, Carter ran for president as an outsider and was elected the 39th President of the United States, defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. His presidency was characterized by significant foreign policy achievements, including the Camp David Accords, which led to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty, and the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. However, his term also faced challenges, such as the Iran hostage crisis and economic difficulties.

Post-Presidency

After leaving office in 1981, Carter founded the Carter Center in 1982, an organization committed to advancing human rights and alleviating human suffering worldwide. Through the Carter Center, he has been involved in various humanitarian efforts, including election observation, conflict resolution, and disease eradication efforts. His work with the center earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Legacy

Carter's legacy is complex, with significant achievements in foreign policy and human rights tempered by the domestic and economic challenges of his presidency. Despite this, his post-presidential humanitarian work has significantly enhanced his reputation.

Personal Life

Carter has been married to Rosalynn Carter since 1946, and they have four children. He has been an active member of the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, where he has taught Sunday school for many years. 0