Jimmy Carter
From Peanut Farmer to President
Life Before the Oval Office
Before Jimmy Carter became America's 39th President, he was just a boy living on a peanut farm in Plains, GA. Born on October 1, 1924, Jimmy had big dreams that led him out of Georgia and in to Washington. After time in the Navy, he returned home where he was elected to the state senate in 1962. Eight years later, he was elected as the governor of Georgia. Six short years later he was elected as President of the United States.
Life As President
Positives:
- Established the Department of Energy
- Set the groundwork for peace between Egypt and Israel
- Human Rights Activist
- Government jobs for African-American and Hispanic women
Hardships:
- Economy slump: Increase in the price of crude oil caused inflation that made it difficult to borrow money, buy homes, and expand businesses.
- A group of Iranian citizens kidnapped 44 Americans from the US Embassy which resulted in a 444 day stand off. Carter's rescue mission failed.