Read about Jimmy Carter's life, his presidency, and his unshakable faith with these selections from the Library.
Read about the political and social climate in the United States during the years of the Carter presidency.
James Earl Carter, Jr was the thirty-ninth president of the United States. He grew up in a small farming community in Georgia, and was educated in Georgia's schools. In 1946, he graduated from the Naval Academy and served in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets, participating in the nuclear submarine program. He married Rosalynn Smith in 1946, and returned to Plains in 1953 to run the family farm when his father passed away. Once back in Georgia, he became involved in his community. In 1971 Carter was elected governor of Georgia. He announced his candidacy for President in 1974, winning the Democratic nomination in 1976. He defeated Gerald Ford, and took office in 1977. While President, Carter helped negotiate the Panama canal treaties, the Camp David Accords, the SALT II treaty, and established diplomatic relations with China. His presidency wasn't without challenges. Inflation was high, America suffered the energy crisis, and Iranian students overtook the American Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 people hostage for 444 days. Post presidency, Jimmy Carter participated in numerous diplomatic missions, championed human rights campaigns, and volunteered his time with Habitat for Humanity.
