Lasting Legacy of Jimmy Carter: A Look at the Influence on History
How the contributions of Jimmy Carter continue to shape the world today.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Media Discovery and Promotion
In 1980, Laurence Shoup noted that the national news media discovered and promoted Jimmy Carter.
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.
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: 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.
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.
1990: Gallup survey on Carter's presidency
In a 1990 Gallup survey, 45% of respondents approved of the overall job Carter did as president.
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.
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.
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: 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: 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: 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.
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.
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.
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: 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: 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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
