Top 10 Moments That Defined Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter took over as the 39th President of the United States on January 20th, 1977. He faced a sharply divided and pessimistic America, burnt out by the Vietnam War and worried about other potential adversaries abroad. Carter attempted to alleviate some of these issues in a number of ways. One of them was the pardoning of those who had dodged the countrys mandatory military draft. He also spoke at Notre Dame University later in the year, focusing on a new foreign policy shift for the United States. Carters agenda focused its energies on human issues, as opposed to attacking saber-rattlers of communism on the world stage.

No Presidential career is perfect, nor has any commander in chief succeeded at pleasing all of the people, all of the time. Jimmy Carter was no different in this respect, occasionally angering certain demographics of Americans who disagreed with his policies. Labor Unions in particular were dismayed at Carters invoking of the Taft-Hartley Act in March of 1978. He did so in order to try and stop a coal industry strike, instigated by the United Mine Workers of America. This decision was controversial and highly unpopular with union leaders and organizers, many of whom faced fines or jail time for ignoring the invocation.

Its well known that the Carter Administration endeavored to shift their foreign policy goals to reflect a commitment to human rights. The President wasnt just blowing smoke in this regard, as he would double down on this mission in 1982, with the establishing of the Carter Center. The nonprofit came into existence shortly after Carters exit from the White House, and dedicated its resources to improving the quality of life for various communities. The Carter Center has offered medical aid, mental health counseling, and even election monitoring services, proving that both Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn[a] remained committed to helping people long after leaving the executive branch.

Collaborating with the Carter Center wasnt the only time First Lady Rosalynn Carter would work alongside her husband. Jimmy Carter was known for including his wife in cabinet meetings, while also seeking out her counsel as a personal advisor. Additionally, President Carters cabinet was remarkably inclusive for the time, utilizing both female and minority voices in a way that deviated from previous administrations. One of these cabinet members was Andrew Young, the 55th mayor of Atlanta and the first African American to be appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. After several political controversies, however, Young was asked to step down.

The decision of any country to boycott the Olympic Games can make headline news. Its another thing, however, when that country is the United States. While there was talk of boycotting the 1980 Summer Olympics, which would be held in Moscow, in late 1979, this stance was only officially announced in March of 1980. This decision came after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, and was an effort to persuade Soviet troops to retreat. While other countries joined the boycott, little was accomplished politically in the end. The Soviet Union would respond with an embargo of their own for the 1984 Games in Los Angeles.

Jimmy Carters commitment to humanity didnt end after his Presidency did. He continued to promote democracy at a global level. One such exploit was under President Clinton, in an attempt to open productive dialogue with North Koreas Kim Il-sung. Carter also collaborated with Nelson Mandela, and visited countries like Darfur, Cyprus and more on humanitarian missions. The former President also worked to help others with housing, specifically by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. He continued to do so into his nineties, and even won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in 2002.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit founded in Carters home state of Georgia. His commitment to building homes remained steadfast for decades. Where he initially built a relationship with the organization during the 1980s, he continued to foster that relationship throughout his life. A news story from 2019 even demonstrated how a 95-year-old Carter, who had recently suffered a fall requiring stitches, still made it out to his scheduled Habitat for Humanity appointment. His dedication to improving communities on a local level helped cement him as one of Georgias most well-known and respected individuals.

Camp David was the site of one of President Carters greatest achievements, as well as perhaps his greatest misstep. The Camp David Accords were a pair of peace agreements signed by Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and President Anwar Sadat[b] of Egypt, oversought by Jimmy Carter. However, that same setting would also serve as the backdrop for Carters infamous Malaise Speech of 1979. The American people were concerned with rising inflation and the energy crisis, two issues the President addressed with his calling for synthetic fuel alternatives and limiting imported oil. However, there was also a focus on what Carter claimed was a crisis of confidence and a lack of community. This, coupled with some disliked administrative decisions, set the stage for what would eventually become Carters downfall.

President Carter would label Iran an island of stability during a 1977 speech in Tehran. Two years later, Tehran would be the site of the longest hostage situation in recorded history. Fifty-two American diplomats were held at the American embassy for over 440 days, held by Iranian students who saw the U.S. as a key player in undermining the Iranian Revolution. Carter ordered a military operation dubbed Operation Eagle Claw that tried and failed to rescue the hostages. The Iran Hostage Crisis would officially come to an end with the signing of the Algiers Accords in January of 1981, by which time Carter had already lost his bid for reelection.

Jimmy Carter was a one-term President. He lost to Ronald Reagan on November 4th, 1980, but this didnt mean that Carters Presidency was in vain. The Department of Energy was established under Carters watch, as was a cabinet-level Department of Education. However, its the former that needs support more than ever. Carters Moral Equivalent of War speech from 1977 predicted the current climate change discussion by over fifty years. The President called on Americans to make sacrifices with their homes and vehicles, and sought to promote conservation and invest in clean energy. It turned out to be remarkably prescient stuff, but not without controversy. Carters American constituents were struggling and wanted immediate answers, not long-term energy solutions. Now, however, might be a good time to revisit his idea about creating a more eco-friendly world.


Trivia

Jimmy Carter was born in which month?


October (CORRECT)


December

January

April

Source
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jimmy-Carter

Jimmy Carter served in which branch of the U.S. Armed Forces?


Air Force

Marines

Army

Navy (CORRECT)

Source
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jimmy-Carter

Rosalynn Carter was Jimmys second wife.

FALSE

Source
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jimmy-Carter

A beer was named after Jimmy Carters brother, Billy.

CORRECT

Source
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Billy-Carter




[a]roh-zuh-lynn
[b]ANN-war sah-DAT