From The White House To Global Peace — The Lasting Legacy Of Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter was the 39th President of the US (Credit: Cl.USembassy.org/ Public Domain)

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, on December 29, 2024. The former American leader, who turned 100 on October 1, 2024, was the longest-living president in US history. Mr. Carter will be laid to rest at the family's residence on January 9, 2025. He will be buried alongside his wife, Rosalynn, who died in 2023 at age 96. In his honor, President Joe Biden has declared January 9 a federal holiday.

Mr. Carter grew up in the small farming communities of Archery and Plains, Georgia. His father was a farmer and owned a grocery store in town, and his mother was a nurse. After graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1946, Mr. Carter served as a Navy submariner. The same year, he married the love of his life, Rosalynn Smith. Mr. Carter swiftly rose through the military ranks, aiming to become an Admiral. However, his plans changed when his father was diagnosed with cancer in 1953. He left the Navy and returned to Georgia to manage his family's peanut farm.

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn (Credit: US.gov/ Public Domain)

Mr. Carter became active in the Democratic Party, leading to his election as a Georgia state senator and later as governor. When Mr. Carter announced his Presidential candidacy on December 12, 1974, he was relatively unknown outside Georgia. However, he gained swift support from both moderates and activists, securing the Democratic nomination and, ultimately, the Presidency.

Despite his initial popularity, Mr. Carter served only one term as President of the United States. His administration faced economic crises and foreign policy challenges, leading to a decline in his approval rating. However, Mr. Carter achieved notable successes during his four years in office. This included negotiating a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel and advancing human rights reforms in the US. He also played a key role in creating both the Department of Energy and the modern Department of Education.

Mr. Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 (Credit: The Carter Center/ CC-BY-SA-2.0)

After his Presidency, Mr. Carter devoted himself to humanitarian causes. In 2007, he helped form The Elders, a group of world leaders dedicated to promoting peace and human rights. He also established The Carter Center in 1982. The nonprofit focuses on advancing human rights and improving global health. Mr. Carter's lifelong efforts were recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

While his political career had its share of controversy, Mr. Carter is widely regarded as one of America’s most honest, hardworking, and humble presidents. Unlike many prominent leaders, he never used his office to seek wealth or fame. Though Mr. Carter is gone, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.