As the world celebrates the centennial birthday of the former president, there is a resounding sense of awe and admiration for the remarkable legacy he has left behind. From being the youngest president to take office to being the first to celebrate such a milestone, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. On this momentous occasion, Newsweek presents 100 facts that highlight the significant impact of this visionary leader on the world stage.
1. The former president was born on October 1, 1921, in a modest family in the small town of Plains, Georgia.
2. He was the eldest of four children and from an early age, had a strong sense of responsibility towards his family.
3. His early education was in a one-room schoolhouse, and he excelled academically.
4. In 1941, he enrolled in the US Naval Academy and later served in the Navy during World War II.
5. Despite his young age, his leadership skills were evident as he rose through the ranks and eventually became a lieutenant.
6. After leaving the Navy, he served as a senator in Georgia, and later as the governor of the state.
7. In 1976, he ran for the presidency and won, becoming the 39th president of the United States.
8. At the age of 52, he was the youngest president to take office since John F. Kennedy.
9. He took office during a period of economic turmoil and high inflation rates, but his policies helped steer the country towards stability.
10. One of his first acts as president was to grant amnesty to Vietnam War draft evaders, showing his compassionate nature.
11. His commitment to human rights was evident as he championed the cause both domestically and globally.
12. His administration saw the historic Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which laid the foundation for peace negotiations in the Middle East.
13. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts in promoting peace and human rights.
14. He is the only president to receive this prestigious award after leaving office.
15. Throughout his presidency, he advocated for environmental conservation and is credited with creating the Department of Energy and the Superfund program to clean up toxic waste sites.
16. He also established the Department of Education, underscoring his commitment to education.
17. In 1980, he faced a tough re-election campaign, but his popularity among Americans remained high due to his compassionate and ethical leadership style.
18. Despite losing the election, he continued to be a prominent figure in American politics and remained active in public service.
19. In his post-presidential years, he and his wife Rosalynn founded The Carter Center, a non-profit organization committed to promoting peace, health, and democracy around the world.
20. Their humanitarian efforts earned them the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999, the highest civilian award in the United States.
21. The former president and his wife have been married for 75 years, making them the longest-married presidential couple in American history.
22. They have also been actively involved in Habitat for Humanity, a charity that builds affordable homes for low-income families.
23. Despite his humanitarian work, he never shied away from voicing his opinions and speaking out against injustice.
24. He has been a lifelong advocate for racial equality and has been vocal about addressing issues of discrimination and injustice in the United States.
25. His legacy also includes his efforts to promote gender equality, notably by appointing more women to high-level government positions than any previous president.
26. He was the first president to appoint a woman as vice-chair of the Federal Reserve, paving the way for more women in leadership roles in the financial sector.
27. The former president is an accomplished author with more than 30 books to his name, including several bestsellers.
28. In his book ”A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety”, he chronicles his remarkable life and shares valuable insights on leadership, faith, and public service.
29. He is also an avid painter and his artwork has been showcased in several galleries and museums.
30. In 2017, the former president was diagnosed with brain cancer, but he continued to be active in public service and supported various causes until his passing in 2021.
31. His positive outlook and determination to make a difference until the very end have been an inspiration to many.
32. The former president’s cent
