History of Jimmy Carter in Timeline
Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. President (1977-1981), was a Democratic politician and humanitarian. Before his presidency, he served as the 76th Governor of Georgia (1971-1975) and in the Georgia State Senate (1963-1967). Notably, Carter was the longest-lived U.S. president, reaching the age of 100.
1906: Antiquities Act
In December 1978, Jimmy Carter used the 1906 Antiquities Act and his executive order power to designate 56,000,000 acres of land in Alaska as a national monument.
October 1, 1924: James Earl Carter Jr. Born
On October 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. was born. He would later become the 39th president of the United States.
1932: First Elected Incumbent Loss Since Hoover
Jimmy Carter was the first elected incumbent president since Herbert Hoover in 1932 to lose a reelection bid.
1937: Attended Plains High School
In 1937, Carter began attending Plains High School.
1941: Graduated from Plains High School
In 1941, Carter graduated from the 11th grade at Plains High School.
1941: Undergraduate Coursework
In 1941, Jimmy Carter started undergraduate coursework in engineering at Georgia Southwestern College.
1943: Naval Academy Appointment
In 1943, Jimmy Carter received an appointment to the Naval Academy from U.S. Representative Stephen Pace.
1945: Ineligible for Second Term
In 1945, Jimmy Carter was ineligible for a second consecutive term under the 1945 Georgia Constitution.
July 7, 1946: Marriage to Rosalynn Smith
On July 7, 1946, Jimmy Carter married Rosalynn Smith at the Plains Methodist Church. They would go on to have three sons and one daughter.
1946: Moved for Military Deployments
From 1946 to 1953, the Carters lived in Virginia, Hawaii, Connecticut, New York, and California, during his deployments in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets.
1946: Graduation and Marriage
In 1946, Carter graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science and married Rosalynn Smith.
1946: Graduated from U.S. Naval Academy
In 1946, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and joined the submarine service.
1947: Graduation Class Rank
In 1947, Jimmy Carter graduated 60th out of 821 midshipmen in the class of 1947 with a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned as an ensign.
1948: Officer training for submarine duty
In 1948, Jimmy Carter began officer training for submarine duty and served aboard USS Pomfret.
1949: Promotion to Lieutenant
In 1949, Carter was promoted to lieutenant junior grade.
1951: Assigned to USS K-1
In 1951, Carter was assigned to the diesel/electric USS K-1 (SSK-1), qualified for command, and served in several positions, including executive officer.
December 12, 1952: Chalk River Reactor Accident
On December 12, 1952, an accident at Atomic Energy of Canada's Chalk River Laboratories caused a partial meltdown. Carter led a U.S. maintenance crew to assist in the shutdown of the reactor.
1952: Naval Nuclear Program
In 1952, Carter began an association with the Navy's fledgling nuclear submarine program, led by then-Captain Hyman G. Rickover.
March 1953: Nuclear Power Plant Operation Course
In March 1953, Carter began a six-month nuclear power plant operation course at Union College in Schenectady.
October 9, 1953: Resigned from Active Duty
On October 9, 1953, Carter left active duty in the Navy to take over the family peanut business after his father's death.
1953: Moved for Military Deployments
From 1946 to 1953, the Carters lived in Virginia, Hawaii, Connecticut, New York, and California, during his deployments in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets.
1954: Brown v. Board of Education
As racial tension inflamed in Plains by the 1954 Supreme Court of the United States ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, Carter favored integration.
1960: Presidential Debates
In 1960, the first United States presidential debates since 1960 were held between Carter and Ford.
1961: Integration Advocacy
By 1961, Carter began to speak more prominently of integration as a member of the Baptist Church and chairman of the Sumter County school board.
1961: End of Naval Reserve Service
In 1961, Carter left the inactive Navy Reserve with the rank of lieutenant.
1962: State Senate Campaign
In 1962, Carter announced his campaign for an open Georgia State Senate seat, with Rosalynn instrumental in his campaign.
1964: Carter campaign uses similar rhetoric as Johnson's 1964 campaign
Carter's reelection campaign used similar rhetoric as Lyndon Johnson's 1964 presidential campaign, portraying Reagan as a warmonger who could not be trusted with the nuclear arsenal.
1964: Planned Challenge to Bo Callaway
In 1964, After Bo Callaway was elected to the United States House of Representatives, Carter immediately began planning to challenge him.
1966: Gubernatorial Election
In 1966, Carter ran in the Georgia gubernatorial election against Ellis Arnall and Lester Maddox, losing the primary but gaining enough votes to force a runoff. This period was a spiritual turning point for Carter; he declared himself a born again Christian.
January 6, 1969: Reported UFO sighting
On January 6, 1969 Jimmy Carter reported that he saw an unidentified flying object.
October 1969: UFO Bureau Report
In October 1969, Jimmy Carter filed a report with the International UFO Bureau and the National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena regarding a UFO sighting.
1970: Gubernatorial Election Campaign
In 1970, during the gubernatorial election, Carter's campaign leaned more conservative. He sought the black vote and the votes of those who had supported prominent Alabama segregationist George Wallace.
January 12, 1971: Sworn in as Governor of Georgia
On January 12, 1971, Carter was sworn in as the 76th governor of Georgia. He declared that "the time for racial discrimination is over".
July 8, 1971: Intention to Establish Georgia Human Rights Council
On July 8, 1971, during an appearance in Columbus, Georgia, Jimmy Carter stated his intention to establish a Georgia Human Rights Council.
July 1971: Ordered Department Heads to Reduce Spending
In July 1971, Carter announced he had ordered department heads to reduce spending to prevent a $57 million deficit by the end of the 1972 fiscal year.
1971: Anti-Busing Resolution
In 1971, Jimmy Carter co-sponsored an anti-busing resolution with Wallace at the National Governors Conference.
1971: Mary Prince becomes Amy Carter's nanny
In 1971, Mary Prince, an African American woman wrongly convicted of murder, became the nanny for Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's daughter Amy, and served in that role until the end of Carter's presidency. Carter helped enable her to work in the White House by acting as her parole officer.
January 1972: Reorganization Plan
In January 1972, Carter introduced a reorganization plan, consolidating state agencies, although the cost savings are debated.
January 1972: Requested Funding for Early Childhood Development
In January 1972, Jimmy Carter requested that the state legislature fund an early childhood development program along with prison reform programs.
March 1972: Possible Special Session
In March 1972, Carter said he might call a special session of the general assembly if the Justice Department struck down any reapportionment plans by either the House or Senate.
1972: Democratic National Convention Delegate
In 1972, Jimmy Carter was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, where George McGovern was the likely nominee. He met with Wallace to discuss preventing the Democrats from losing in a landslide.
1972: Revised Death Penalty Statute
In 1972, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Georgia's death penalty statute in Furman v. Georgia, Jimmy Carter signed a revised statute that reintroduced the practice.
January 31, 1973: Joint Appearance on Busing
On January 31, 1973, Jimmy Carter made a televised joint appearance with Florida Governor Reubin Askew to advocate for a constitutional amendment banning busing to expedite school integration.
April 1973: Named to the Trilateral Commission
In April 1973, with David Rockefeller's endorsement, Jimmy Carter was named to the Trilateral Commission.
May 1973: Warned Against Politicizing Watergate
In May 1973, Jimmy Carter warned his party against politicizing the Watergate scandal, attributing it to president Richard Nixon's isolation and secretive decision-making.
June 30, 1973: Meeting Elvis Presley
On June 30, 1973, Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn met Elvis Presley.
1973: Geneva conference
In 1973, the Geneva conference was held which Carter hoped to reconvene in 1977.
December 12, 1974: Presidential Campaign Announcement
On December 12, 1974, Jimmy Carter formally announced his presidential campaign at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., emphasizing domestic inequality, optimism, and change.
1974: Ford's Pardon of Nixon
In 1974, Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon which impacted the following 1976 election. Voters still held this against Ford when Carter was viewed as sincere, honest, and well-meaning.
March 1976: Lead in Presidential Nomination
By mid-March 1976, Jimmy Carter was far ahead of the active contenders for the presidential nomination, and led incumbent Republican president Gerald Ford by a few percentage points.
April 1976: Remarks on Ethnic Purity
During an interview in April 1976, Jimmy Carter said, "I have nothing against a community that is... trying to maintain the ethnic purity of their neighborhoods," intending it as supportive of open housing laws, but specifying opposition to government efforts to "inject black families into a white neighborhood just to create some sort of integration".
July 15, 1976: Mondale Chosen as Running Mate
On July 15, 1976, Jimmy Carter chose U.S. senator Walter Mondale as his running mate.
November 1976: Playboy Interview
In the November 1976 issue of Playboy, Jimmy Carter discussed his religion's view of pride, saying, "I've looked on a lot of women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart many times." This led to media controversy.
November 22, 1976: First Visit to Washington D.C. After Election
On November 22, 1976, Jimmy Carter visited Washington, D.C., meeting with James Lynn and Donald Rumsfeld, and with President Ford at the White House, after being elected president.
1976: Strip Mining Promise
During his 1976 campaign, Jimmy Carter promised to sign into law any bills Congress passed to regulate strip mining.
1976: Popularizing "Born Again"
During his 1976 presidential campaign, Jimmy Carter is credited with popularizing the term "born again" into the American lexicon, appealing to voters after the Nixon Administration scandals.
1976: Ran for president
In 1976, Carter ran for president, secured the Democratic nomination as a dark horse, and narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Gerald Ford in the general election.
1976: Presidential Campaign
In 1976, Jimmy Carter started putting together a presidential campaign.
1976: Voter Perceptions
In exit polls from the 1976 presidential election, many voters still held Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon against him, while Jimmy Carter was viewed as sincere, honest, and well-meaning.
January 20, 1977: Inauguration as President
On January 20, 1977, Jimmy Carter was inaugurated as the 39th president of the United States.
February 8, 1977: Carter Urges Soviet Union to Align on Nuclear Testing
On February 8, 1977, Jimmy Carter stated that he had urged the Soviet Union to align with the U.S. in forming a comprehensive test ban to stop all nuclear testing.
February 23, 1977: Carter Addresses Conflict with Congress
On February 23, 1977, during a press conference, Jimmy Carter stated that conflict with Congress was "inevitable" but also noted a "growing sense of cooperation" and past meetings with members from both parties. This came amidst Carter's reputation for not conforming to Washington's rules and facing frustration in passing legislation.
March 9, 1977: Carter Reaffirms Troop Withdrawal Interest
On March 9, 1977, President Carter reaffirmed his interest in a gradual withdrawal of American troops from South Korea.
April 18, 1977: Energy Crisis Speech
On April 18, 1977, Jimmy Carter delivered a televised speech declaring that the energy crisis was the "moral equivalent of war".
May 26, 1977: Carter States South Korea Can Defend Itself
On May 26, 1977, during a news conference, Jimmy Carter expressed his belief that South Korea could defend itself with a reduced number of American troops in case of conflict.
June 23, 1977: Carter Praises Working Relationship with Congress
On June 23, 1977, in an address to a fundraising dinner for the Democratic National Committee, Jimmy Carter spoke of the development of a "good working relationship with the Congress," contrasting it with "government by partisanship" of the previous eight years.
August 4, 1977: Department of Energy Organization Act
On August 4, 1977, Jimmy Carter signed the Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977, forming the Department of Energy.
August 1977: Elvis Presley's Death
In August 1977, Jimmy Carter issued a statement following Elvis Presley's death, recognizing Presley's significant impact on American popular culture.
September 21, 1977: Bert Lance Resigns Amid Banking Allegations
On September 21, 1977, Bert Lance, the Carter administration's Office of Management and Budget director, resigned amid allegations of improper banking activities before his tenure.
October 4, 1977: Carter Address to African Officials at the UN
On October 4, 1977, Jimmy Carter addressed African officials at the United Nations. Carter stated the U.S.'s interest to "see a strong, vigorous, free, and prosperous Africa with as much of the control of government as possible in the hands of the residents of your countries."
November 15, 1977: Carter Pledges Positive Relations with Iran
On November 15, 1977, Jimmy Carter pledged that his administration would continue positive relations between the U.S. and Iran, characterizing its contemporary status as "strong, stable, and progressive."
1977: Carter Appoints Kahn to CAB
In 1977, Jimmy Carter appointed Alfred E. Kahn to lead the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). This was part of a push for deregulation of the airline industry, supported by a broad coalition.
1977: Failed Attempt at Arab-Israeli Settlement
In 1977, Jimmy Carter attempted to mediate the Arab-Israeli conflict through reconvening the 1973 Geneva conference, but this effort to seek a comprehensive settlement was ultimately unsuccessful.
1977: Carter's Healthcare Cost Proposal
In 1977, Jimmy Carter proposed a mandatory health care cost proposal, that was passed in the Senate, but later defeated in the House.
1977: Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
In 1977, Jimmy Carter signed the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, which regulated strip mining.
1977: Public Works Employment Act
In 1977, due to economic stimulus legislation, such as the Public Works Employment Act of 1977, proposed by Jimmy Carter and passed by Congress, real household median income had grown by 5.2%, with a projection of 6.4% for the next quarter.
1977: Suggestion for Dylan Thomas Memorial
In 1977, during a state visit to the UK, Jimmy Carter suggested that Dylan Thomas should have a memorial in Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey.
1977: Gay and Lesbian Rights Activists Invited to the White House
In 1977, the Carter administration became the first U.S. presidential administration to invite gay and lesbian rights activists to the White House. The purpose was to discuss federal policy with regard to ending employment discrimination in the federal government on the basis of sexual orientation and related issues.
December 31, 1977: Carter Calls Iran an "Island of Stability"
On December 31, 1977, Jimmy Carter called Iran, under the Shah, an "island of stability," praising the Shah's leadership and their personal friendship.
January 1, 1978: Carter Visits Iran, Delivers "Island of Stability" Speech
From December 31, 1977, to January 1, 1978, Jimmy Carter visited Iran, where he gave his "Island of Stability" speech less than a year before the overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
January 12, 1978: Energy Reform Proposal Discussions
On January 12, 1978, Jimmy Carter said the continued discussions about his energy reform proposal had been "long and divisive and arduous".
February 28, 1978: Carter Argues for Cabinet-Level Education Department
On February 28, 1978, Jimmy Carter argued from the White House that education was too important to be scattered among various government departments, advocating for a cabinet-level education department.
March 1978: Approval ratings fall due to economy
In March 1978, Jimmy Carter's presidential approval rating fell to 39%, primarily attributed to the declining economy.
April 3, 1978: Carter Visits Nigeria
On April 3, 1978, Jimmy Carter concluded his visit to Nigeria to improve relations. During this visit, the first by a U.S. president, he reiterated the U.S.'s interest in convening a peace conference on Rhodesia involving all parties.
April 11, 1978: Congressional Difficulties
In an April 11, 1978, news conference, Jimmy Carter said his biggest surprise "in the nature of a disappointment" since becoming president was the difficulty Congress had in passing legislation, citing the energy reform bill in particular.
April 21, 1978: Carter Announces Reduction in American Troops in South Korea
On April 21, 1978, Jimmy Carter announced a reduction in American troops in South Korea, citing a lack of action by Congress regarding a compensatory aid package for the South Korean government.
April 27, 1978: Communists Seize Power in Afghanistan
On April 27, 1978, Communists under Nur Muhammad Taraki seized power in Afghanistan.
July 1978: Unemployment Rate
By July 1978, under Jimmy Carter, the unemployment rate declined from 8.1% when he took office to 5.7%.
September 1978: Camp David Accords Negotiations
In September 1978, Jimmy Carter invited Egyptian president Anwar Sadat and Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin to Camp David for negotiations aimed at creating a definitive peace. These negotiations eventually led to the Camp David Accords, which ended the war between Israel and Egypt.
October 15, 1978: Energy Legislation Approval
The Carter energy legislation was approved by Congress after much deliberation and modification on October 15, 1978. The measure deregulated the sale of natural gas, dropped a longstanding pricing disparity between intra- and interstate gas, and created tax credits to encourage energy conservation and the use of non-fossil fuels.
October 24, 1978: Carter Signs Airline Deregulation Act
On October 24, 1978, Jimmy Carter signed the Airline Deregulation Act into law. This act removed government control over fares, routes, and market entry in commercial aviation, phasing out the Civil Aeronautics Board's regulatory powers and allowing market forces to determine routes and fares.
December 1978: Carter Announces Recognition of the People's Republic of China
In December 1978, Jimmy Carter announced the United States' intention to formally recognize and establish full diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) starting on January 1, 1979, while severing ties with Taiwan.
December 1978: Alaska National Monument Designation
In December 1978, Jimmy Carter used the 1906 Antiquities Act and his executive order power to designate 56,000,000 acres of land in Alaska as a national monument.
1978: Village renamed in Carter's honor
Carterpuri, a village in Haryana, India, was renamed in Jimmy Carter's honor after his visit in 1978.
1978: Inflation Rate
In 1978, Federal Reserve Board chairman G. William Miller's relatively loose monetary policy had already contributed to somewhat higher inflation, rising from 5.8% in 1976 to 7.7%.
1978: Love Canal Federal Emergency
In 1978, Jimmy Carter declared a federal emergency in the Love Canal neighborhood of Niagara Falls, New York, due to toxic waste, leading to the evacuation of families and the creation of the Superfund law.
1978: Compromise Healthcare Law Meeting
In 1978, Jimmy Carter met with Ted Kennedy over a compromise healthcare law that proved unsuccessful.
1978: Deregulation of Home Brewing
In 1978, Jimmy Carter signed a bill into law that deregulated the American beer industry by legalizing the sale of malt, hops, and yeast to American home brewers for the first time since 1920. This deregulation spurred the growth of the craft microbrew culture.
1978: Asian American Heritage Week
In 1978, Jimmy Carter signed into law a bill creating a celebration in May called Asian American Heritage Week.
1978: Military aid to Indonesia peaks
In 1978, during Carter's administration, military assistance to Indonesia peaked. This was inconsistent with Carter's stated policy regarding arms sales in conflict regions.
January 1979: Shah Leaves Iran
In January 1979, the Shah, who was dying of cancer, left Iran for the last time, an event that intensified anti-American sentiment in Iran.
February 8, 1979: Carter Administration releases Education Department plan
On February 8, 1979, the Carter administration released an outline of its plan to establish an education department and asserted enough support for the enactment to occur by June.
March 1, 1979: Gasoline Rationing Plan
On March 1, 1979, Jimmy Carter submitted a standby gasoline rationing plan per the request of Congress.
May 10, 1979: House Rejects Carter's Gas Rationing Plan
On May 10, 1979, the House voted against giving Jimmy Carter authority to produce a standby gas rationing plan. Carter expressed shock and embarrassment, stating that most House members were unwilling to take responsibility for dealing with a potential threat and prioritizing local interests.
May 16, 1979: Senate Votes to Lift Economic Sanctions Against Rhodesia
On May 16, 1979, the Senate voted in favor of lifting economic sanctions against Rhodesia. The decision was viewed by some Rhodesians and South Africans as a potentially fatal blow to joint diplomacy efforts and any compromise between the Salisbury leaders and guerrillas.
June 18, 1979: Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty II Signed
On June 18, 1979, the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty II (SALT II) was signed by Jimmy Carter and Leonid Brezhnev.
July 1, 1979: Carter Meets with South Korean President Park Chung Hee
From June 30 to July 1, 1979, Jimmy Carter met with South Korean President Park Chung Hee to discuss relations between the U.S. and South Korea, and Carter's policy of worldwide tension reduction.
July 15, 1979: Carter's "crisis of confidence" address
On July 15, 1979, Jimmy Carter delivered a nationally televised address where he identified a "crisis of confidence" among the American people, later dubbed the "malaise speech." This speech received mixed reactions and was viewed by some as not emphasizing Carter's own efforts to address the energy crisis.
July 1979: Approval ratings dip during energy crisis
During the 1979 energy crisis, Jimmy Carter's approval ratings dipped, reaching as low as 28% in July 1979.
July 1979: CIA Begins Collaboration with Pakistani ISI
In July 1979, the CIA began collaborating with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), providing non-lethal assistance to the Afghan mujahideen.
July 25, 1979: Carter calls on believers to speak with Congress
On July 25, 1979, amid opposition to his energy proposals, Jimmy Carter called on believers in the future of the U.S. and his program to speak with Congress, which had the responsibility to impose his proposals. The New York Times noted a crisis of confidence between Congress and the President.
October 1979: Curran Ends Investigation of Carter
In October 1979, special counsel Paul J. Curran announced that no evidence had been found to support allegations that funds loaned from the National Bank of Georgia had been diverted to Jimmy Carter's 1976 presidential campaign, ending the investigation.
October 22, 1979: Shah admitted to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
On October 22, 1979, Carter allowed the Shah, who was dying of cancer, to be admitted to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
November 4, 1979: U.S. Embassy in Tehran Taken Over
On November 4, 1979, Iranian students took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, leading to the hostage crisis.
December 1979: Carter Announces Reelection Campaign
In December 1979, Jimmy Carter announced his reelection campaign, a month after Ted Kennedy announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination.
December 24, 1979: Soviet Union Invades Afghanistan
On December 24, 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, executed Hafizullah Amin, and installed Babrak Karmal as president.
December 28, 1979: Carter Approves Lethal Aid to Afghan Opposition
On December 28, 1979, Jimmy Carter signed a presidential finding allowing the CIA to transfer lethal military equipment to the Afghan opponents of the Soviet intervention.
1979: Energy Crisis
1979 was marked by an energy crisis during Jimmy Carter's presidency.
1979: Approval ratings dip during energy crisis
In 1979, Carter's approval rating dipped due to the energy crisis.
1979: Carter's Private Health Insurance Coverage Proposal
In 1979, Jimmy Carter proposed providing private health insurance coverage, marking another attempt at healthcare reform during his presidency.
1979: Chrysler Cooperation Bailout
In 1979, as Chrysler Cooperation faced near-certain bankruptcy, Jimmy Carter proposed salary and bonus freezes, and Congress began working on a bailout plan. Carter assembled a team to secure a $1.5 billion loan guarantee for the company.
1979: Soviets Intervene in Second Yemenite War
In 1979, the Soviets intervened in the Second Yemenite War. This, along with tensions from the Iranian Revolution, contributed to a more assertive stance by Jimmy Carter towards the Soviet Union.
1979: Iran Hostage Crisis and Oil Crisis
In 1979, the later years of Jimmy Carter's presidency were marked by several foreign policy crises, including the fallout of the Iranian revolution including the Iran hostage crisis and 1979 oil crisis.
1979: Chrysler Corporation Loan Guarantee Act
In December 1979, Congress passed the Chrysler Corporation Loan Guarantee Act. Jimmy Carter signed the bill into law in January, providing $3.5 billion in aid to bail out Chrysler, saving thousands of jobs. The bailout was successful at the time.
January 1980: Carter Revokes Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty
In January 1980, Jimmy Carter unilaterally revoked the Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty with the Republic of China. This action led to legal challenges, but the Supreme Court upheld Carter's decision.
January 23, 1980: Carter Announces Sanctions on Soviet Union
On January 23, 1980, Jimmy Carter announced sanctions on the Soviet Union, promised renewed aid to Pakistan, and committed the U.S. to the Persian Gulf's defense in a televised speech.
April 7, 1980: Carter Imposes Economic Sanctions Against Iran
On April 7, 1980, Jimmy Carter issued Executive Order 12205, imposing economic sanctions against Iran and announcing further measures to secure the safe release of the American hostages.
April 24, 1980: Carter Orders Operation Eagle Claw
On April 24, 1980, Jimmy Carter ordered Operation Eagle Claw to attempt to free the American hostages in Iran. The mission failed, resulting in casualties and the resignation of Secretary of State Cyrus Vance.
May 1980: Carter Supports South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan
In May 1980, Jimmy Carter supported South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan during the suppression of the Gwangju Uprising.
May 1980: FTC Closed by Budget Dispute
In May 1980, the Federal Trade Commission was "apparently the first agency ever closed by a budget dispute" during Carter's presidency, but Congress took action and the agency opened the next day.
June 1980: Approval rating slumps amid Iran hostage crisis
Amid criticism for his handling of the Iran hostage crisis, Jimmy Carter's approval rating slumped to 33% in June 1980, coinciding with Reagan surpassing Carter in pre-election polling.
July 2, 1980: Reactivation of the Selective Service System
On July 2, 1980, Jimmy Carter alienated many liberal college students by reactivating the Selective Service System, reinstating registration for the military draft.
September 1980: Kim Dae-jung's Sentence Commuted
In September 1980, South Korean pro-democracy activist Kim Dae-jung was sentenced to death. His sentence was later commuted after intervention by Presidents Carter and Reagan.
November 1, 1980: Carter Highlights Head Start Expansion
On November 1, 1980, Jimmy Carter stated that his administration had extended Head Start to migrant children, noting the addition of 43,000 children and families to the program and the doubling of nondefense dollars spent on education.
1980: Carter Predicted Better Historical Reputation
After leaving office, Jimmy Carter told allies he predicted history would be kinder to him than voters were in the 1980 election.
1980: Sought reelection but lost to Ronald Reagan
In 1980, Carter sought reelection, defeating a primary challenge by Senator Ted Kennedy, but lost the election to Republican nominee Ronald Reagan.
1980: Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act
In 1980, Congress codified Carter's executive order into law with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980, which doubled the amount of public land set aside for national parks and wildlife refuges.
1980: Loss to Ronald Reagan
In 1980, Jimmy Carter lost the election to Ronald Reagan, a loss that was contributed to by the Iran hostage crisis.
1980: Mental Health Systems Act Signed into Law
In 1980, Jimmy Carter signed into law the Mental Health Systems Act (MHSA). It allocated block grants to states to bolster community health services and provided funding to create community-based health services, considered landmark legislation in mental health care.
1980: Media Discovery and Promotion
In 1980, Laurence Shoup noted that the national news media discovered and promoted Jimmy Carter.
1980: CIA memo concludes Iranian hardliners sought to exploit hostage crisis
In 1980, a declassified CIA memo concluded that Iranian hardliners, especially Ayatollah Khomeini, were determined to exploit the hostage issue to cause President Carter's defeat in the November elections.
1980: Inflation Rate
In 1980, inflation doubled to double-digit levels, averaging 11.3% in 1979 and 13.5%.
1980: Carter Administration and Samuel Doe
In 1980, the Carter Administration pursued an alliance with Liberia's Samuel Doe, who had come to power in a coup.
1980: Carter initiates program to arm the mujahideen
In early 1980, Carter initiated a program to arm the mujahideen through Pakistan's ISI and secured a pledge from Saudi Arabia to match U.S. funding for this purpose.
1980: Carter Emphasizes Significance of US-Soviet Relations
In his 1980 State of the Union Address, Jimmy Carter emphasized the critical significance of relations between the United States and the Soviet Union in determining global peace or conflict.
1980: 1980 Election
In the 1980 election, Ronald Reagan projected self-confidence, contrasting with Jimmy Carter's temperament. Reagan used economic issues, the Iran hostage crisis, and Washington cooperation to portray Carter as weak and ineffectual.
January 1981: Carter's position on the Middle East conflict
By the time Jimmy Carter left office in January 1981, his policies toward the Middle East had broken the Arab alliance, sidelined the Palestinians, built an alliance with Egypt, weakened the Soviet Union and secured Israel.
January 20, 1981: Hostages Released After Reagan Inauguration
On January 20, 1981, the 52 American hostages held in Iran were freed immediately after Ronald Reagan succeeded Carter as president.
September 1981: Meeting with Menachem Begin
In September 1981, Jimmy Carter started his post-presidency diplomatic efforts in the Middle East with a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.
1981: Carter family peanut business debt
In 1981, the Carter family's peanut business accumulated a $1 million debt, prompting Carter to begin writing books to alleviate the financial strain.
1981: Views on Carter's Presidency
In 1981, when Jimmy Carter left office, scholars and many Democrats viewed his presidency as a failure, citing a lack of a well-developed political philosophy and a feeling of uncertainty.
May 1982: Endorsement of Mondale for Democratic Nomination
In May 1982, Jimmy Carter ruled out another presidential run and endorsed Mondale for the Democratic presidential nomination.
1982: Carter Center Founding
In 1982, Jimmy Carter founded the Carter Center, a non-governmental and nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing human rights and alleviating human suffering.
1982: Dylan Thomas Memorial Realized
In 1982, Jimmy Carter's suggestion of a Dylan Thomas memorial in Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey came to fruition.
1982: Chicago Tribune Survey Ranking
In a 1982 Chicago Tribune survey, 49 historians and scholars ranked Jimmy Carter as the tenth worst U.S. president.
March 1983: Tour of Egypt and Meeting with PLO Members
In March 1983, Jimmy Carter toured Egypt and met with members of the Palestine Liberation Organization as part of his post-presidency diplomatic efforts.
1984: Criticism of Reagan Administration: Sabra and Shatila Massacre & Businessmen Rescue
In 1984, Jimmy Carter condemned the Reagan administration's handling of the Sabra and Shatila massacre and the lack of efforts to rescue and retrieve four American businessmen from West Beirut.
1984: Participation in the 1984 Election
In 1984, Jimmy Carter critiqued the Reagan campaign, spoke at the Democratic National Convention, and advised Mondale about his campaign.
1984: Receives Golden Plate Award
Jimmy Carter received the American Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award in 1984.
1985: Criticism of Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative
In 1985, Jimmy Carter spoke out against the Reagan administration and criticized Reagan's support of the Strategic Defense Initiative.
1986: Jimmy Carter Library and Museum opens
The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum was opened in 1986.
March 1987: Ruling Out Candidacy in 1988 Election
In March 1987, Jimmy Carter ruled himself out as a candidate in the 1988 presidential election.
1987: Criticism of Reagan on Terrorist Demands and Supreme Court Nomination
In 1987, Jimmy Carter criticized Reagan for conceding to terrorist demands, nominating Robert Bork for the Supreme Court, and his handling of the Persian Gulf crisis.
1988: Predictions and Address at Democratic National Convention
In 1988, ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Jimmy Carter predicted party unity and delivered an address at the convention.
January 16, 1989: Remarks to Gerald Ford on Reagan's Media Honeymoon
On January 16, 1989, Jimmy Carter told Gerald Ford that Reagan had experienced a media honeymoon, suggesting his successor would not be as fortunate.
1989: Soviet Union withdraws from Afghanistan
Despite huge expenditure, the Soviet Union was unable to quell the insurgency and withdrew from Afghanistan in 1989.
1990: Gallup survey on Carter's presidency
In a 1990 Gallup survey, 45% of respondents approved of the overall job Carter did as president.
1991: Honorary member of Phi Beta Kappa
In 1991, Jimmy Carter was made an honorary member of Phi Beta Kappa at Kansas State University and was elected to the American Philosophical Society.
1992: Campaigning for Clinton and Expectations for Consultation
In 1992, Jimmy Carter campaigned for Clinton after he became the Democratic nominee, publicly stating his expectation to be consulted during Clinton's presidency.
1992: Asian American Heritage Month Expansion
In 1992, President George H. W. Bush signed a bill expanding the Asian American Heritage Week celebration into Asian American Heritage Month.
January 1993: Suggestion for Northern Ireland Peace Process Role
In January 1993, Jimmy Carter was suggested by president-elect Bill Clinton for a role in the Northern Ireland peace process.
1994: North Korea Peace Mission
In 1994, Bill Clinton sought Jimmy Carter's assistance in a North Korea peace mission, during which Carter negotiated an understanding with Kim Il Sung.
1994: Publication of Poetry Book
In 1994, Jimmy Carter published a book of poetry titled "Always a Reckoning and Other Poems," illustrated by his granddaughter Sarah Chuldenko.
1998: USS Jimmy Carter Submarine Named
In 1998, the U.S. Navy named the third and final Seawolf-class submarine USS Jimmy Carter.
2000: Endorsement of Al Gore and Opinion on Election Outcome
In 2000, Jimmy Carter endorsed Al Gore and later voiced his opinion that Gore won the election, despite George W. Bush being certified the victor.
2000: Renouncing Southern Baptist Membership
In 2000, Jimmy Carter renounced his membership in the Southern Baptist Convention after it announced it would no longer permit women to become pastors, citing his belief in equal roles for women in church service.
July 2001: "Disappointment" in George W. Bush's Actions
In July 2001, Jimmy Carter said he was "disappointed in almost everything" President George W. Bush had done.
2002: Nobel Peace Prize
In 2002, Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work promoting human rights through the Carter Center.
2003: Championed Plan to Hold Elections in Venezuela
In 2003, Jimmy Carter championed a plan to hold elections in Venezuela amid protests, but ultimately no elections were held.
2004: Endorsement of John Kerry and Concerns about Voting Mishaps
In 2004, Jimmy Carter endorsed the Democratic nominee John Kerry, spoke at the Democratic National Convention, and voiced concern about another voting mishap in Florida.
2004: Belief That Bush Exploited 9/11 Attacks
In 2004, Jimmy Carter said he believed George W. Bush had exploited the September 11 attacks.
2006: Poll indicates highest approval since 1979
A 2006 poll showed that 61% of respondents approved of the job Carter did as president, marking his highest rating since 1979.
2006: Gerald Ford's death
After Gerald Ford's death in 2006, Jimmy Carter became the earliest-serving living former president.
2006: Jack Carter's Senate Nomination
In 2006, Jack Carter, Jimmy Carter's eldest son, was the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Nevada but lost to Republican incumbent John Ensign.
2006: Funeral Arrangements
In 2006, Jimmy Carter made arrangements to be buried in front of his home in Plains, Georgia, and planned a funeral in Washington, D.C., with visitation at the Carter Center.
2006: Publication of "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid"
In 2006, Jimmy Carter's book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid" was published, generating controversy for characterizing Israel's policies in the occupied territories as apartheid.
2006: Andrew Roberts Ranking
In 2006, conservative British historian Andrew Roberts ranked Jimmy Carter as the worst U.S. president.
July 2007: Participation in The Elders Announced
In July 2007, Jimmy Carter joined Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa, to announce his participation in The Elders, a group focused on peace and human rights.
2007: Founding of the New Baptist Covenant
In 2007, Jimmy Carter established the New Baptist Covenant organization, focusing on social justice initiatives.
2007: Comments on Bush Administration's Foreign Affairs Record
In 2007, Jimmy Carter said the Bush administration "has been the worst in history" on foreign affairs, later clarifying he was comparing Bush's tenure to Nixon's.
2007: Grammy Award for Our Endangered Values
In 2007, Jimmy Carter won the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for "Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis."
2007: Apology for Book Wording
In 2007, during a speech at Brandeis University, Jimmy Carter apologized for wording in his book that suggested Palestinian suicide attacks were justified, calling it "improper and stupid."
May 2008: Speculation on Obama Endorsement
In May 2008, during the Democratic presidential primaries, it was speculated that Jimmy Carter would endorse Barack Obama.
December 2008: Meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
In December 2008, Jimmy Carter met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as part of his work with The Elders.
2009: Post Presidency Recognition
In 2009, The Independent noted that Jimmy Carter is widely considered a better man than he was a president, highlighting the praise for his post-presidency activities.
2009: Airport renamed in Carter's honor
In 2009, the Souther Field Airport in Americus, Georgia, was renamed the Jimmy Carter Regional Airport.
2009: Documentary on Camp David Accords
The 2009 documentary "Back Door Channels: The Price of Peace" credited Jimmy Carter's efforts at Camp David with bringing the only meaningful peace to the Middle East.
August 10, 2010: Negotiated Release of Aijalon Gomes
On August 10, 2010, Jimmy Carter traveled to North Korea and negotiated the release of Aijalon Gomes.
2010: Publication of "We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land"
In his 2010 book, "We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land", Jimmy Carter identified Israel's unwillingness to withdraw from occupied Palestinian territories and settlement expansion as the primary obstacle to peace.
June 2012: Statement on Egyptian Military Generals
In a June 2012 call with Jeffery Brown, Jimmy Carter stressed that Egyptian military generals could take full executive and legislative power to form a new constitution favoring themselves if their announced intentions came true.
2012: Preference for Romney and Address at DNC
In 2012, Jimmy Carter expressed a preference for Mitt Romney to win the Republican nomination and recorded an address for the Democratic National Convention.
2012: Longest-Retired President
In 2012, Jimmy Carter surpassed Herbert Hoover as the longest-retired U.S. president.
2013: Habitat for Humanity Project
In 2013, Jimmy Carter, along with Rosalynn, their son Chip, and daughter-in-law Becky, traveled to Queens Village in New York City to participate in five housing construction projects with Habitat for Humanity.
2014: Jason Carter's Gubernatorial Nomination
In 2014, Jason Carter, Jimmy Carter's grandson and former Georgia state senator, was the Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia but lost to the Republican incumbent, Nathan Deal.
August 3, 2015: Elective Liver Surgery
On August 3, 2015, Jimmy Carter underwent elective surgery to remove a small mass on his liver, with an initial prognosis of a full recovery.
December 20, 2015: Death of Grandson Jeremy Carter
On December 20, 2015, while teaching a Sunday school class, Jimmy Carter announced the death of his 28-year-old grandson, Jeremy Carter, due to unspecified causes.
2015: Grammy Award for A Full Life: Reflections at 90
In 2015, Jimmy Carter won the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for "A Full Life: Reflections at 90".
August 2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton
In August 2016, Jimmy Carter endorsed the presumptive Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton and spoke at the Democratic convention via video.
2016: Explanation for UFO Sighting
In 2016, a former Air Force scientist found old government reports about a scientific project involving a barium cloud launched on the same date as Jimmy Carter's 1969 UFO sighting, providing a possible explanation.
October 2017: Defense of Trump's Media Coverage
In October 2017, Jimmy Carter defended Donald Trump in an interview with The New York Times, criticizing the media's coverage of him as harsher "than any other president certainly that I've known about".
2017: 40th Anniversary of Inauguration
In 2017, Jimmy Carter became the first president to live to the 40th anniversary of his inauguration. He also became the oldest former president ever to attend an American presidential inauguration.
2017: Vote for Bernie Sanders in Primaries
In 2017, Jimmy Carter said he voted for Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
2017: Recommended Peace Treaty between U.S. and North Korea
In 2017, as tensions persisted between the U.S. and North Korea, Jimmy Carter recommended a peace treaty and volunteered to be a diplomatic envoy to North Korea for the Trump administration.
2018: Grammy Award for Faith: A Journey For All
In 2018, Jimmy Carter won the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for "Faith: A Journey For All".
2018: Official Files Reveal Carter's Potential Role in Northern Ireland Peace Process
In 2018, official files revealed that in January 1993, Jimmy Carter had been suggested for a Northern Ireland peace process role by president-elect Bill Clinton.
March 22, 2019: Longest-Lived U.S. President
On March 22, 2019, Jimmy Carter became the longest-lived U.S. president.
May 13, 2019: Hip Fracture
On May 13, 2019, Jimmy Carter broke his hip in a fall at his Plains home and underwent surgery the same day.
July 2019: Carter's Book Publications
As of July 2019, Jimmy Carter had published over 30 books, ranging from children's literature to reflections on his presidency, averaging nearly one book per year since leaving the White House.
August 2019: Honorary Chair of the World Justice Project
As of August 2019, Jimmy Carter held the position of Honorary Chair of the World Justice Project. He was also awarded tenure for 37 years of service at Emory University and continued teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church.
October 19, 2019: Longest-Wed Presidential Couple
On October 19, 2019, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter became the longest-married presidential couple, surpassing George and Barbara Bush at 26,765 days.
November 11, 2019: Hospitalization for Brain Pressure
On November 11, 2019, Jimmy Carter was hospitalized at Emory University Hospital for a procedure to relieve pressure on his brain caused by bleeding related to his falls.
December 2, 2019: Hospitalization for Urinary Tract Infection
On December 2, 2019, Jimmy Carter was readmitted to the hospital for a urinary tract infection.
2019: Discussion with Trump on China's Growing Influence
In 2019, Donald Trump called Jimmy Carter and expressed concern that China was "getting ahead" of the United States, with Carter agreeing and citing the U.S.'s warlike nature.
2019: Comments on Russian Interference and Trump's Legitimacy
In 2019, Jimmy Carter said that Donald Trump would not have been elected without Russia's interference in the 2016 election and agreed that Trump is an "illegitimate president".
2020: Endorsement of Joe Biden
In 2020, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter delivered a recorded audio message endorsing Joe Biden for the virtual Democratic National Convention.
January 6, 2021: Statement on the U.S. Capitol Attack
On January 6, 2021, after the U.S. Capitol attack, Jimmy Carter released a statement expressing his and his wife's concern and calling for unity and upholding the laws.
January 20, 2021: Audio Message for Biden's Inauguration
On January 20, 2021, Jimmy Carter recorded an audio message for Joe Biden's inauguration as the Carters could not attend in person.
July 2021: Final Recorded Interview and Praise for Joe Biden
In July 2021, Jimmy Carter gave his final recorded interview and stated that President Joe Biden "has done very well" in office.
2021: 40th Anniversary of Post Presidency
In 2021, Carter became the first president to live to the 40th anniversary of his post-presidency.
2021: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In 2021, President Biden signed a bill renaming Asian American Heritage Month to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
2021: Jimmy Carter National Historic Park
In 2021, buildings connected to Carter's life were collectively renamed the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park.
2021: Survey on Carter's presidency
In a 2021 survey, 27% of respondents said he had been an "outstanding" or "above average" president, 43% regarded him as "average", and only 24% said he had been "below average" or "poor".
November 2022: Filing Opinion in Support of Lawsuit Against Land Swap in Alaska
In November 2022, Jimmy Carter filed an opinion in support of a lawsuit by environmental groups against the Trump administration's proposed land swap in Alaska, citing the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.
February 18, 2023: Entering Hospice Care
On February 18, 2023, the Carter Center announced that Jimmy Carter had decided to spend his remaining time at home in Plains with his family, receiving hospice care for an unspecified illness.
November 19, 2023: Rosalynn Carter Died
On November 19, 2023, Rosalynn Carter, wife of Jimmy Carter, died.
2023: Reagan Campaign Allegations
In 2023, allegations surfaced claiming that people working on the Reagan campaign convinced Iran to prolong the Iran hostage crisis to reduce Jimmy Carter's chance of reelection.
2023: Equivalent of 1972 Tax request
In January 1972, Jimmy Carter requested that the state legislature fund an early childhood development program along with prison reform programs and $48 million (equivalent to $270 million in 2023) in paid taxes for nearly all state employees.
February 21, 2024: White House Christmas ornament unveiled
On February 21, 2024, the White House Historical Association unveiled its official 2024 White House Christmas ornament honoring Carter's naval service and efforts for peace, marking the first time a president being honored was alive at the time of the unveiling.
August 2024: Desire to Live to 100 to Vote for Kamala Harris
In August 2024, Jimmy Carter's son Chip said his father wanted to live to 100 to vote for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
September 17, 2024: Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song
On September 17, 2024, The Carter Center held Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song, a concert featuring appearances by musicians and celebrities to celebrate Carter's upcoming 100th birthday.
October 1, 2024: Carter turns 100
On October 1, 2024, Jimmy Carter turned 100 years old, becoming the first U.S. president to reach this milestone. Celebrations included a Navy flyover and a naturalization ceremony at Plains High School.
November 2024: 10th Grammy Nomination
In November 2024, Carter received his 10th nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album.
December 29, 2024: James Earl Carter Jr. Dies
On December 29, 2024, James Earl Carter Jr. died. He was an American politician and humanitarian who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He was the longest-lived president in U.S. history and the first to reach the age of 100.
2024: Progress in Eradicating Guinea Worm Disease
As of 2024, specifically the first seven months, the Carter Center reported only four cases of dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease), a significant decrease from 3.5 million cases in the mid-1980s, highlighting the impact of their efforts with the World Health Organization.
January 9, 2025: State Funeral and Day of Mourning
On January 9, 2025, the nation held an official state funeral and day of mourning for Jimmy Carter. All five living U.S. presidents attended the funeral.
