James Earl Carter Jr., more commonly known as Jimmy Carter, was the 39th President of America. Throughout his presidency, Jimmy Carter put importance on economic inflation and unemployment. During his administration nearly eight million more jobs were created. He also helped create the Department of Education. People also remember Carter for his work after leaving the Presidency. For example, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his social reform and global peace work, but who was Jimmy Carter before he became president?
Jimmy Carter was born on October 1st, 1924. He was the oldest of four children raised in Plains, Georgia by his parents who were peanut farmers. He was known for being a hardworking boy who did anything to help his family during the Great Depression. At this time, he had saved up money and bought several houses in his hometown. Jimmy then rented them to families and helped make some money to support his family. He joined the US Navy just like his uncle. While in Annapolis, he met Rosalynn Smith, a friend of his sister. When Carter first proposed to Rosalynn, she rejected him, but after a second time of asking, she said yes. The two were husband and wife in July of 1946.
Jimmy Carter served in the Navy for seven years. After his father passed away, he joined the Navy Reserves. His fellow men would describe him as diligent. Jimmy was active in the civil rights movement. He served as state senator and governor before running for president in 1976. As a politician, he was an independent man who stuck firmly to his beliefs. He had a unique style while dealing with foreign affairs prioritizing human rights. As president, he also created FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to help prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters. Carter tried seeking re-election but lost due to the U.S. embassy staff’s hostage situation in Iran.
After his Presidency, he advocated for human rights and global affairs. He created the Carter Center to help underprivileged people along with starting Habitat for Humanity. He constantly traveled encouraging peace negotiations. In 2015, his book A Full Life was published after he was diagnosed with cancer. In the book, he mentions how he was at peace with his Presidency. Unfortunately, Jimmy Carter passed on December 29, 2024. We should remember former President Jimmy Carter as a man who advocated for human rights. He showed us what it is like to stick to your values and give back to your community.