Department of Energy: After comparing the U.S. energy crisis to war, Carter established the Department of Energy, the first new Cabinet position in over a decade.
Nuclear power plant meltdown: On March 28, 1979, a reactor at Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in Pennsylvania experienced a partial meltdown. Carter, a former engineering officer in the Navy, visited the plant on April 1. This incident led to the implementation of heightened safety regulations for nuclear power plants across the United States.
1980 State of the Union: Throughout his presidency, Carter focused on easing tensions during the Cold War. In his final State of the Union address, he emphasized the crucial role of U.S.-Soviet relations in determining global peace or conflict.
Iran hostage crisis: From November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981, 52 U.S. citizens, including Diplomatic Corps members, were held hostage at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. This event marked a significant challenge during Carter’s presidency and is often cited as a contributing factor to his defeat in the 1980 general election to Ronald Reagan.
1980 presidential election: Reagan secured the presidency with 489 electoral votes compared to Carter’s 49. Carter’s single term as president concluded on January 20, 1981.
Jimmy Carter’s life after presidency
Carter Center: Following his presidency, Carter founded the Carter Center, an organization dedicated to human rights. The Carter Center’s achievements include monitoring 113 elections in 39 countries and playing a key role in reducing Guinea worm disease by an impressive 99.99%, essentially eradicating it.
Nobel Peace Prize: Carter’s efforts with the Carter Center earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his continuous work towards peaceful resolutions in international conflicts, democratic advancement, human rights promotion, and economic and social development.
Hurricane Sandy relief: In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy’s destruction in 2012, Carter actively participated in the reconstruction efforts, particularly focusing on rebuilding homes alongside Habitat for Humanity.
Former President Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981 and was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, was captured in a photograph at the Peninsula Hotel in New York City.
Cancer diagnosis: In 2015, Carter revealed his cancer diagnosis and underwent surgery to remove a mass from his liver. Shortly after, he announced that he was free of cancer.
Oldest living former president: Carter set multiple longevity records, becoming the longest-living former president on March 22, 2019. By attending Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017, he became the oldest former president to partake in an inauguration.
