Jimmy Carter39th President

1977-1981 Democrat

• Former Governor of Georgia and peanut farmer

• Played role of “outsider” not corrupted by D.C. politics

• Vowed to read all paper sent to his office

• These concepts worked poorly, little was accomplished

Economic Problems Continue

• 1979 OPEC places another embargo on US causing another period of problems

• Stagflation-an increase in prices while jobs are not created

Carter’s Energy Plan

• Creates Department of Energy

• Pushes alternative fuel sources to lessen dependency of foreign oil

• Solar• Nuclear• Wind

Human Rights

• As part of Carter’s Human Rights Campaign He does not allow US Athletes to participate in 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow

• He was protesting their war against Afghanistan

Foreign Policy Accomplishment

• 1979 brings Egyptian President Sadat + Israeli P.M. Begin to Presidential retreat Camp David, Maryland

• The two leaders sign Camp David Accords-pledging not to fight-peace to the Mid-East?

Iran Hostage Crisis

• 1979 Islamic fundamentalists seize control of Iran

• The Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini became the leader deposing US supported leader Shah Reza Pahlavi

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Iran Hostage Crisis

• Carter allows the Shah to come to US for medical treatment

• The Iranians wanted to try him for crimes against their people

• Angered, college students attack US embassy in Teheran

Iran Hostage Crisis

• 52 Americans are taken hostage

• A failed rescue attempt leads to the death of US soldiers

• Carter does not campaign during the crisis and loses 1980 election to Ronald Reagan

Iran Hostage Crisis

• 1980 Carter orders rescue of the hostages

• 8 American soldiers die as three helicopters crash during mission

• Yellow ribbons are used as a symbol of support for the hostages

Iran Hostage Crisis Ends

• 444 days after being taken hostage the Americans are released

• As a insult to Carter the Iranians wait until Reagan is sworn into office