Former President Jimmy Carter celebrates his 100th birthday today, marking a century filled with remarkable achievements and profound changes in the world. From his early years as a farm boy in Plains, Georgia, to becoming the 39th President of the United States, Carter’s life has spanned some of the most transformative periods in American and global history.
Born on October 1, 1924, Carter witnessed a rapidly changing nation. He grew up in the shadow of the Great Depression and later served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, an experience that shaped his future leadership. By the time he entered politics, the country had moved through monumental shifts such as the Civil Rights Movement and the beginning of the Cold War. When he was elected president in 1976, America was still grappling with the fallout of Watergate and the Vietnam War, and Carter’s administration focused on restoring trust in the presidency.
Carter’s presidency is remembered for his dedication to human rights, energy conservation, and diplomatic efforts. His most notable achievement was brokering the Camp David Accords in 1978, a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel that remains one of the most significant diplomatic successes in modern history. Carter also focused on environmental issues and was one of the first U.S. presidents to emphasize the importance of renewable energy, laying the groundwork for future discussions on climate change.
Since leaving the White House in 1981, Carter has become a global humanitarian, founding The Carter Center with his wife, Rosalynn. His work in promoting democracy, human rights, and disease eradication around the world earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. In addition, his decades-long involvement with Habitat for Humanity has helped thousands of families around the world secure safe housing.
As Carter reaches this incredible milestone, it’s a time to reflect not only on his extraordinary contributions but also on how the world has transformed since his birth. In the century since 1924, the U.S. has seen the rise of the internet, the space race, the election of the first Black president, advancements in civil rights, and shifts in global power. Carter has witnessed these changes firsthand and contributed to many of them, leaving an enduring legacy of service and compassion.
As we celebrate Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, we invite you to share your thoughts. How do you think the country has changed since Carter was born? What do you believe are his greatest contributions? We’d love to hear your reflections.
Please send us your name, city, and thoughts as we look back on a century of change alongside one of America’s most enduring figures.
