James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr., the 39th president of the United States, passed away at his house in Plains, Georgia on December 29, 2024.
At the age of 100, Carter lived to be the oldest former president in American history. Carter’s funeral was held on January 9, 2025 at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. with his family, friends and international dignitaries in attendance. The event also brought together five former U.S. presidents: President Donald Trump and former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
U.S. flags were ordered to be flown at half-mast for 30 days to honor his legacy as per American tradition; however, they rose to full-staff for the inauguration of President Trump.
In the wake of his death, Carter must be reassessed for his service and leadership that extend far beyond the presidential office.
During his candidacy, Carter’s humble beginnings in rural Georgia and military background in the Navy appealed to the people. Boston Latin School AP U.S. History teacher Ms. Ashley Balbian notes, “He was seen as a regular guy who was different from presidents before him. He wasn’t part of the Washington elite; he was from a peanut farm. […] America needed that.”
Following the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War — two national crises that left Americans cynical about government transparency and ethics — Jimmy Carter entered the White House in 1977 with the responsibility of regaining the nation’s trust.
One of his most celebrated accomplishments during his presidency was brokering the peace agreement between Israel and Egypt over an intense 13-day negotiation at Camp David. The agreement marked the first time that an Arab country formally recognized Israel, highlighting Carter’s role as a peacemaker. Carter further cemented his diplomacy by attaining ratification of the Panama Canal treaties and establishing full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
Domestically, the former president created the Departments of Energy and Education, making energy policies and quality education cabinet-level priorities. The Department of Education aimed to improve access to education and administer federal student aid. The Department of Energy was made in response to the rising energy shortages that revealed the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. To emphasize the need for energy conservation and domestic energy resources, Carter installed solar panels on the roof of the White House and advocated for a shift in sustainable energy resources. He even went as far as to appear on national television to tell people to lower their thermostats.
Despite his accomplishments, Carter has long been criticized for his unsuccessful administration during a time of domestic and international crises.
His success was undermined by his failure to combat the stagflation and inability to secure the hostages’ release in the Iran hostage crisis when a group of Iranian students and militants held 52 American diplomats and citizens in Tehran for 444 days. The crisis dominated the final days of his presidency, severely damaging his credibility and the public perception of his legacy.
In addition, the climbing oil prices of the late 1970s led to an energy crisis and increased the cost of living in America, leading to an overall increase in inflation. Although not directly caused by the president, these severely tainted the latter half of his presidency.
Carter left office in 1981 after serving one term, failing to appeal to the immediate concerns of the nation at the time and facing a massive defeat in reelection against Republican candidate Ronald Reagan.
After leaving office, Carter used his platform as a former president and dedicated his time to humanitarian work across the globe.
Simon Chen (II), president of the Global Youth Philanthropy Charter Club, comments, “He definitely spoke beyond his time. He saw and knew the consequences of what humanity was doing to the planet.”
In 1982, the former president co-founded the Carter Center with his wife, Rosalynn Carter, an organization committed to uplifting human rights, addressing public health and promoting democracy worldwide. He initiated the Guinea Worm Eradication Program as part of this organization, nearly eliminating the debilitating disease that affected millions of people through efforts to improve access to clean water.
An avid advocate for affordable housing and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, the former president led the Carter Work Project, rallying and working alongside volunteers worldwide in renovating and repairing more than 4,447 homes in 14 countries.
He did not completely step out of the political spotlight, though. In 1994, he visited Haiti on behalf of the U.S. with President Clinton and successfully averted potential war and invasion.
In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in international peace negotiations and the fight for human rights.
When asked about his legacy, BLS Civics teacher Ms. Catherine Arnold asserts, “Mr. Carter represented decency and honesty, you know? Take a page from that book, folks.”