Jimmy Carter’s Presidency

1976 Election Gerald Ford – Faced strong opposition from conservative Republicans within his own party Jimmy Carter – Few Americans had ever heard of Carter – Former Governor of Georgia Carter defeated Ford by a narrow margin

Jimmy Carter He was seen as a “Political/Washington Outsider” Peanut Farmer Entered politics in 1962 and became Governor of Georgia in 1970 Deeply religious → Baptist, but respected the beliefs of others Casual Presidency – wore sweaters instead of suits Appointed many more women and minorities to his staff than previous Presidents “Washington Outsider” disadvantages – Did not understand it is crucial for the President to work together with Congress – Difficult time getting legislation passed – could not win over reluctant politicians

Economy and Deregulation Unstable economy – Carter had trouble controlling inflation Tried deficit spending, but inflation continued to rise Then attempted to cut federal spending – led to unemployment and business failures More success in deregulation – reduction/removal of gov’t control in several industries – Removed controls on oil and natural gas prices – Deregulated the railroad, trucking, and airline industries

Energy Issues OPEC had been increasing oil prices steadily since 1973 Carter created the Department of Energy – promoted conservation and energy research 1978, the National Energy Act Passed – Tax sales on inefficient, gas-guzzling cars – Convert new utilities to fuels other than natural gas or oil – Deregulate prices for domestic oil/natural gas – Provide tax credit or loans to homeowners who use solar e energy – Fund research for alternate energy (ex – solar energy / synthetic fuels)

Three Mile Island Nuclear energy became more popular but there were doubts about its cost and safety Three Mile Island Power Plant near Harrisburg, PA had a partial meltdown and released some nuclear radiation 140,000 people fled their homes Result – people saw serious shortcomings to nuclear power – Carter proposed reorganizing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and called on companies to improve standards

Civil Rights Amnesty – Carter granted general pardon to draft dodgers during the Vietnam War Affirmative action concerns – created during Johnson’s presidency to make up or past discrimination by increasing employment and education opportunities for women and minorities Regents of University of CA v. Bakke – White applicant denied to the medical school – Sued saying its AA policy resulted in “reverse discrimination” – Supreme Court ordered the school to admit Bakke. The SC upheld AA but said that schools could not use numerical quotas Signaled the start of backlash against Affirmative Action

Foreign Affairs Carter’s personal beliefs greatly influenced his decisions on foreign affairs Human rights became the focus of Carter’s foreign policy

Camp David Accords Instability in the Middle East – wars in 1967 and – President Anwar el-Sadat (of Egypt) went to Israel to begin peace talks with Prime Minister Menachem Begin (of Israel) – They had trouble compromising U.S. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance invited them to Camp David – While there, Carter acted as peacemaker – Sadat and Begin agreed on framework for peace Camp David Accords – Israel would leave the Sinai Peninsula – Egypt would recognize Israel as a real nation

Soviet – American Relations Carter’s stand on human rights angered Soviet leaders – Soviet citizens were denied the right to free speech or to criticize their government – Carter believed this was wrong and spoke out against it 1979 – SALT II – more talks between the Soviet Union and the U.S. about limiting the # of nuclear weapons Then → Soviets invade Afghanistan – Carter told Soviet Union this was a “clear threat to peace” and told them to withdraw or the U.S. would no longer work toward diplomacy with the Soviet Union Détente was no more!

Iran Hostage Crisis January 1979 – Revolution in Iran Muslim fundamentalists wanted to bring back more traditional ways – Shah of Iran, Mohammad Pahlavi, fled the country – Replaced by Islamic leader, Ayatollah Khomeini Khomeini and his followers were aggressively anti-Western October 1979 – Carter let the Shah enter the U.S. for medical treatment – Islamic Iranians were outraged – November = Khomeini followers took over the American embassy in Tehran

Held for 444 days 52 American hostages were held by the revolutionaries – Blindfolded, tied up, beaten, put into solitary confinement – Mock executions Carter attempted to free hostages – Broke diplomatic relations with Iran and froze all Iranian assets in the U.S. – April 1980, Commando Rescue Mission Failed Helicopters broke down, two aircrafts collided, and 8 American soldiers killed Government was humiliated and Carter’s popularity dropped 1981 – Secret talks led to the release of American hostages – Released only after Carter left office – President Reagan sent Carter to greet the hostages at a U.S. military base in West Germany

1980 Election Carter’s administration lost the confidence of many Americans – Iran Hostage Crisis – Inflation problems – Approval rating = 21% Carter even showed a lack of confidence – “Crisis of Confidence” and “National Malaise” Nation liked the optimism of Ronald Reagan – Won Republican party’s nomination and won the election by a landslide