Jimmy Carter died peacefully in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, on Sunday, December 29. He was 100 years old. He was the 39th President of the United States (1977–1981). Although he only served one term, Carter stayed active in public life to help others. He negotiated peace agreements between countries in conflict. He promoted human rights and supported global health causes. He also pushed for economic development around the world. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Carter was used to hard work. He grew up on a peanut farm in Georgia. As a young man, he became a naval officer. When his father died, Carter returned home to manage the farm. Soon Carter decided to run for public office. He served as a state senator and as governor of Georgia. In his first speech as governor, Carter called for an end to racial discrimination. He also appointed many African Americans, Latinos, and women to government jobs.
When he ran for president in 1976, he was not well known outside of Georgia. President Gerald Ford seemed sure to win, but Carter won narrowly.
As President, Carter was humble. He rarely used his formal name, James Earl Carter, Jr. Instead he went by Jimmy. He often wore jeans instead of suits. In speeches, he emphasized peace, not power. President Carter said that government should be “compassionate and competent.” He believed the government should help people in need.
Two crises [extremely difficult problems] occurred during Carter’s presidency. Americans faced high unemployment [when people can’t find work] and rising costs. And in Iran, soldiers seized 66 Americans who worked at the US embassy. For over a year, Carter tried to convince Iran to free the American hostages. These crises affected voters’ view of Carter. He lost his reelection bid. Iran released the American hostages on the day Carter left office.
Throughout his long life, Carter served others. He was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. This group builds homes for people in need. Even in old age, Carter often picked up a hammer and set to work. He and his wife Rosalynn built around 5,000 homes. Today Americans honor Jimmy Carter as a compassionate leader and tireless humanitarian [a person who works to end the suffering of others].
In His Words
“We can choose to alleviate [end] suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes — and we must.”
President Jimmy Carter, in his Nobel lecture
What Do You Think? If you could help solve one global problem, what would it be? Explain.
Photo Credit: Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division [LC-DIG-ppmsca-09777]
