The term of the late US President Jimmy Carter faced pressure from inflation, as well as foreign tensions during the Cold War.

The 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, wanted to build a “competent and compassionate” government. His career also achieved remarkable achievements, despite facing difficulties both domestically and internationally. Early this morning, December 30, Mr. Jimmy Carter passed away at his home, at the age of 100.

From Farm Town to the White House

Jimmy Carter – full name James Earl Carter Jr – was born on October 1, 1924, in the small farming town of Plain City, Georgia. His father was a farmer and businessman, while his mother was a nurse, according to White House records.

Mr. Carter attended Georgia Southwestern University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. In 1946, he graduated from the Maryland Naval Academy. That same year, he married Rosalynn Smith.

He entered American politics in 1962 and was elected governor of Georgia eight years later. Among the young governors in the southern states, he attracted attention by emphasizing ecology, government efficiency, and the elimination of racial barriers.

He announced his candidacy for president in December 1974 and had two years to build up support from voters. He eventually won 297 electoral votes in a 1976 election against his predecessor, Republican President Gerald Ford.

A challenging term

During his tenure, Mr. Carter tried to solve the difficult economic situation caused by inflation and unemployment. His administration after 4 years announced an increase of 8 million jobs and reduced the budget deficit. However, inflation and interest rates at this time were at record highs in the US, overshadowing the economic achievements.

Carter’s domestic achievements include addressing energy shortages by establishing a national energy policy and deregulating domestic oil prices to stimulate production. He also promoted government efficiency through civil service reform and deregulation of the transportation industry. He also pursued environmental policies and expanded national parks.

His tenure also saw the creation of the Department of Education in 1979. Mr. Carter also strengthened the social security system and appointed a record number of women, blacks and Hispanics to government positions.

In foreign affairs, the most notable highlight came from the US mediating the signing of the peace agreement between Israel and Egypt at Camp David in 1978. Mr. Carter’s term also ratified the Panama Canal Treaty, officially established diplomatic relations with China in 1979, and completed negotiations on the SALT II nuclear arms limitation treaty with the Soviet Union.

However, the time when Mr. Carter led the US government was also a period of escalating tensions in the Cold War, with international events putting pressure on Washington such as the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. In addition, the event of the US Embassy staff in Iran being held hostage became the focus of the media in the last year of his term. A series of international upheavals and domestic inflation partly caused Mr. Jimmy Carter to lose the 1980 presidential election to his opponent Ronald Reagan.

Active after leaving office

In 1982, after leaving office, Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn founded the Carter Center , which specializes in advising and promoting solutions to international problems. Carter has also participated in the mediation of a number of conflicts around the world .

In 2002, Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize , “for his decades of tireless efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to promote democracy and human rights , and to promote economic and social development.” He is also the author of 32 books, several of which are in reprints.

In February 2023, Mr. Carter began receiving hospice care at his home. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, died on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96. Jimmy Carter’s health also declined this year. Relatives revealed that Mr. Carter hoped to live long enough to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election and fulfilled his wish.

Last year, Mr. Carter expressed his wish that President Joe Biden read his eulogy after his death.