Watch: Reflecting on the life of former US President Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, rose to power pledging honesty to the American people. In the wake of Watergate, the former peanut farmer from Georgia granted amnesty to Vietnam draft evaders and became the first US leader to address climate change seriously.
On the global stage, he played a key role in brokering a historic peace deal between Egypt and Israel. However, he faced challenges with the Iran hostage crisis and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Despite only serving a single term, he continued his efforts for peace, the environment, and human rights, earning a Nobel Peace Prize.
As the longest-lived US president, he celebrated his 100th birthday in October 2024. Despite battling cancer and spending his final months in hospice care, Carter left a lasting legacy.
Born in Plains, Georgia in 1924, Carter’s upbringing during the Great Depression and strong Baptist faith shaped his political beliefs. Despite his father’s segregationist views, Carter championed civil rights during his tenure as Georgia governor.
In his 1976 presidential campaign, Carter positioned himself as an outsider, appealing to Americans disillusioned by the Watergate scandal. His presidency saw significant achievements, such as pardoning Vietnam draft evaders and promoting civil rights.
Despite facing challenges such as the energy crisis and international conflicts, Carter’s commitment to diplomacy and human rights remained unwavering. In his post-presidency years, he continued his efforts for peace and equality, earning global recognition for his work.
Carter’s modest lifestyle post-presidency reflected his dedication to service over personal gain. He remained committed to his values and ideals, leaving a lasting impact on American politics and global affairs.