President Jimmy Carter: A Short Biography

Jimmy Carter’s political career peaked in 1977 when he became the 39th president of the United States. During his time in the Oval Office, he was confronted with a battered economy, soaring oil prices, American hostages in Iran, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

A Democrat and Baptist from rural Georgia, Carter served at the US Naval Academy as a naval officer and received several military awards, such as the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, China Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. He was a very successful peanut farmer before engaging in politics and serving two terms as a Georgia State Senator and one as the Governor of Georgia.

Though President Carter’s term in the White House was not especially notable, his work after the end of his career in politics has been exceptional. After leaving the White House, Jimmy and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, have been very busy with humanitarian efforts. During Carter's post-presidential career, he has emerged as an important voice for international diplomacy and negotiation, remaking his image as a statesman for our time. In 2002, Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize for his significant involvement in humanitarian causes through his non-profit Carter Center. President Carter and his wife continue to remain active members of their community as they work on humanitarian projects.

This short book covers the life of Jimmy Carter from his early years growing up in Georgia, his rise to power through the political ranks to become the President of the United States, and his years after his term in the land’s highest office.