From Peanut Farmer to President of the United States
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. His foundation, The Carter Center, confirmed his death. On Sunday, he peacefully took his last breath at his home in Plains, Georgia.
His son, Chip Carter, said, “My father was not just a hero to me but to all who believe in peace, human rights, and selfless love.”
Jimmy Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He was the longest-living U.S. president in history.
President Joe Biden described Carter as “principled, faithful, and humble.” Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, expressed deep sorrow over Carter’s death, stating, “Carter devoted his life to serving others.”
Both Donald Trump, the current president-elect, and former President George W. Bush also mourned his passing. Carter, elected from the Democratic Party, came to power promising never to lie to the American people.
Following the infamous Watergate scandal, this former peanut farmer from Georgia became the first U.S. leader to emphasize the importance of addressing climate change. On the international stage, he mediated the historic peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
However, he faced struggles in resolving the Iran hostage crisis and countering the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. After serving one term, he lost the presidential election to Ronald Reagan. Post-presidency, Carter focused on restoring his reputation.
He worked tirelessly on issues of peace, the environment, and human rights, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.
Birth, Childhood, and Entry into Politics
Jimmy Carter, the longest-living U.S. president, celebrated his 100th birthday last October. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer and had spent the last 19 months in a hospital.
James Earl Carter Jr. was born on October 1, 1924, in the small town of Plains, Georgia. The eldest of four children, his father managed the family’s peanut farming business, while his mother, Lillian, was a nurse. During school, Carter excelled as a basketball player.
After seven years in the U.S. Navy as a submarine officer, he married his friend’s sister, Rosalynn. Following his father’s death in 1953, Carter returned to take over the family business.
His political journey began at the grassroots level. Before becoming a Georgia senator, he won elections for local school and library boards. After two terms as a senator, he was elected Governor of Georgia in 1970. During his tenure, he publicly advocated for civil rights.
At his inauguration, he declared, “The time for racial discrimination is over.” He installed a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. in the Capitol building and ensured African Americans were appointed to government positions.
In 1974, when Carter began his presidential campaign, America was engulfed in the Watergate scandal. He presented himself not as a professional politician but as a peanut farmer.
Despite initial polls showing only 4% support among Democrats, he ultimately defeated Republican President Gerald Ford nine months later. On his first day in office, Carter pardoned thousands of individuals who fled the Vietnam War.
Republican Senator Barry Goldwater criticized the act as “one of the most shameful for a president.” Carter himself admitted it was a very tough decision. He also appointed women to key positions in his administration.
Carter became the first world leader to prioritize climate change. He installed solar panels on the White House roof, which were later removed by Ronald Reagan. However, America’s economic downturn during his presidency eroded his popularity.
Although he proposed a universal healthcare plan, he could not implement it due to opposition from Congress.
Seeking Peace
Carter’…