39. Jimmy CARTER was a Democrat who served one term from 1977 – 1981. Carter was the first president from the Deep South in over 130 years (since #11 Polk, born in NC), and he was a dark horse candidate. On his second day in office, Carter pardoned all draft evaders of the controversial Vietnam War. His presidency was also marked by the 1979 energy crisis which led to long lines at gas stations. During his term, two new cabinet-level departments, the Department of Energy and the Department of Education, were established. He also set up a national energy policy a that included conservation, price controls, and new technology.
Before becoming president, Carter graduated from the Naval Academy and spent time on one of the first nuclear submarines. When his father died, he returned home to Plains, Georgia to take over his family’s peanut farm. He served two terms in the GA State Senate, and then became governor of GA running on an anti-segregationist platform and advocating affirmative action for ethnic minorities.
Afghanistan was invaded by the Soviet Union in 1979. Prior to the arrival of Soviet troops, Afghanistan’s Communist Party took power. The government’s Stalinist-like nature of vigorously suppressing opposition and executing thousands of political prisoners led to the rise of anti-government armed groups and open rebellion. Then the president was murdered which deteriorated relations with the USSR which then sent in their army. They staged a coup, killed the president and installed a Soviet loyalist. Insurgent groups known as the mujaheddin, fought a guerrilla war against the Soviet Army, and were largely backed by the US making it a Cold War proxy war. To protest the invasion, the US and many others boycotted the 1980 Olympics being held in Moscow (USSR).
Turned over control of the Panama Canal Zone to Panama for the first time since 1903. Under two related treaties, it was agreed that Panama would become primarily responsible for the canal’s defense, but the U.S. retained the permanent right to defend the canal from any threat that might interfere with its continued neutral service to ships of all nations.
Three Mile Island nuclear accident occurred in PA. It was the most significant nuclear accident in U.S. history and was rated a five on a seven-point scale. The partial meltdown resulted in the release of radioactive of gases and radioactive iodine into the environment. Worries were expressed by anti-nuclear by activists; however, studies determined there was no causal connection linking the accident with the incidence of cancers in the region. Cleanup lasted until 1993 and cost about $1 billion. The accident resulted in new regulations for the nuclear industry and contributed to the decline of construction of new reactors.
Iranian Hostage Crisis occurred when Muslim students who supported the Iranian Revolution took over the US Embassy in Tehran. The mob was angry that the US allowed the overthrown shah to come to the US for medical treatment. The Iranians took 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage and held them for 444 days. Carter ordered a secret military rescue attempt, but it failed. The crisis was not resolved until after Carter left office.
Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel were negotiated with his help. These two nations had been long time enemies. Sadat, the Egyptian leader, was assassinated three years later because of this treaty. The treaty though has lasted.
After being president, Carter ran for reelection, but lost in a landslide to Reagan. Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work with the Carter Center which he set up to advance human rights. He has also traveled extensively to conduct peace negotiations, observe and promote fair elections, and advance disease prevention and eradication in developing nations. Additionally, Carter is a key figure in the Habitat for Humanity Project. He has become very respected for his post-presidency work. (All from Wikipedia)
