The 39th US President Jimmy Carter wanted to build a “competent and compassionate” government. His career also achieved notable achievements, despite facing difficulties both domestically and internationally. Early this morning, December 30 (Vietnam time), Mr. Jimmy Carter passed away at his home, at the age of 100.
From farming town to the White House
Mr. 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.
Former US President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100
Mr. Carter attended Georgia Southwestern University and Georgia Institute of Technology. In 1946, he received a diploma from the Naval Academy in Maryland. The same year, he married Rosalynn Smith.
He began participating in American politics in 1962 and 8 years later was elected governor of Georgia. Among young governors in the southern states, he attracted attention by emphasizing ecology, efficiency of government, and the elimination of racial barriers.
The late President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter danced during a festival at the White House in 1978
He announced his candidacy for president in December 1974 and had two years to attract voter support. Ultimately, he won with 297 electoral votes, in a confrontation with his predecessor, the late Republican President Gerald Ford in 1976.
Challenging term
During his term, Mr. Carter made efforts to resolve the difficult economic situation caused by inflation and unemployment. His administration after 4 years announced an increase of 8 million jobs and a reduction in the budget deficit. However, inflation and interest rates at this time were at record highs in the US, overshadowing economic achievements.
Mr. Carter’s domestic achievements include addressing energy shortages by establishing a national energy policy and deregulating domestic oil prices to stimulate production. In addition, the late President Carter promoted the efficiency of government operations through civil service reform and abolished some procedures for the transportation industry. He also aims to improve the environment and expand the area of national park construction.
Mr. Carter spoke at a press conference at the White House in 1980
His term also saw the US government establish the Department of Education in 1979. Mr. Carter also strengthened the social security system and appointed a record number of women, blacks and Westerners. Spain to government positions.
Regarding foreign affairs, the most prominent highlight came from the US brokering a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt at Camp David in 1978. Mr. Carter’s term also ratified the Panama Canal treaty, officially establishing 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 sending troops into Afghanistan. In addition, the event of the US Embassy staff in Iran being held hostage became a media focus during the last year of his term. A series of international upheavals and domestic inflation partly caused Jimmy Carter to lose the 1980 presidential election to rival Ronald Reagan.
Actively active after leaving office
In 1982, after leaving office, Mr. Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn founded the Carter Center, specializing in consulting and promoting solutions to international problems. Mr. Carter has also participated in the mediation process of several conflicts around the world.
In 2002, Jimmy Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize, “for his decades of tireless efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, promote democracy and human rights, and as promoting economic and social development”. He is also the author of 32 books, many of which are being republished.
Mr. Jimmy Carter (right) was awarded the Medal of Freedom by former US President Bill Clinton in 1999
In February 2023, Mr. Carter began receiving hospice care at his home. Lady Rosalynn Carter passed away 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 to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election and fulfilled his wish.
Last year, Mr. Carter expressed his wish for President Joe Biden to deliver the eulogy after his death.
