History As It Happens: The Consequences of President Carter

Host: Martin Di Caro
Release Date: January 3, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of History As It Happens, host Martin Di Caro delves into the presidency of James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, exploring the enduring consequences of his term as the 39th President of the United States. Carter's tenure, marked by significant domestic and international challenges, offers a rich landscape for historical analysis. Di Caro weaves insights from top historians with archival audio to present a comprehensive examination of Carter's legacy.

Early Presidency and Election

Jimmy Carter's ascent to the presidency was unexpected. A relatively unknown peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia, Carter entered the White House at a time when America was grappling with the aftermath of Vietnam and the Watergate scandal. Historian Sean Wilentz notes, “Carter embodied the spirit of a new South, declaring that the time for racial discrimination was over” (03:43).

Notable Quote:

Jimmy Carter [00:07]: "I say to you, quite frankly, that the time for racial discrimination is over."

Carter's populist approach and emphasis on integrity resonated with a public eager for change and honesty in government.

Domestic Affairs and Energy Crisis

One of Carter's first actions as president was addressing the national energy crisis. In his first televised address, Carter emphasized the urgency of establishing a comprehensive energy policy.

Notable Quote:

Jimmy Carter [12:03]: "All of us must learn to waste less energy simply by keeping our thermostats lower in the winter and warmer in the summer."

Despite his efforts, the energy crisis persisted, exacerbated by inflation and rising interest rates. Historian Jeremy Surry criticizes Carter's inability to effectively collaborate with Congress, leading to a significant drop in his approval ratings from 70% to 28% within a year (12:44).

The Malaise Speech

In July 1979, amid escalating economic woes, Carter delivered what became known as the "malaise speech." He identified a "crisis of confidence" affecting the nation’s spirit and cohesion.

Notable Quote:

Jimmy Carter [14:12]: "It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will."

While initially received positively for his candor, the speech ultimately backfired as it was perceived as a lack of concrete solutions, further diminishing his public support (15:55).

Iran Hostage Crisis

The Iran Hostage Crisis became the defining foreign policy challenge of Carter's presidency. Following the Iranian Revolution and the return of Ayatollah Khomeini, Carter struggled to manage the deteriorating relationship with Iran. His failed rescue mission in April 1980, where two aircraft collided, resulted in the death of eight crew members and intensified the national crisis (30:29).

Notable Quote:

Jimmy Carter [19:33]: "For the first time in the history of our country, a majority of our people believe that the next five years will be worse than the past five years."

Historians Jeffrey Engel and Jeremy Surry highlight Carter's genuine efforts to negotiate the hostages' release and the complexities he faced in balancing morality with strategic interests.

Foreign Policy Achievements

Despite the tumultuous nature of his presidency, Carter made significant strides in foreign policy, particularly in human rights advocacy and peace negotiations.

Notable Achievements:

• Human Rights Emphasis: Carter was the first president to prioritize human rights in U.S. foreign policy, influencing Soviet policies and supporting dissident movements in Eastern Europe. Historian Sean Wilentz praises Carter's role in laying the groundwork for the eventual dissolution of the Soviet empire (24:31).

  Jimmy Carter [24:31]: "The Universal Declaration and the human rights conventions that derive from it do not describe the world as it is. But these documents are very important nonetheless."

• Camp David Accords: In 1978, Carter brokered a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, a lasting achievement that still holds relevance today. However, as journalist Christopher Hedges critiques, the accords marginalized the Palestinian issue, leading to ongoing conflicts (35:58).

• Carter Doctrine: Announced in his 1980 State of the Union address, the Carter Doctrine declared the Persian Gulf a vital national security region, setting the stage for future U.S. military involvement in the Middle East (38:11).

Legacy and Consequences

Carter's presidency is often viewed through a lens of mixed outcomes. While his domestic policies faced significant hurdles, his foreign policy initiatives had long-lasting impacts. Historian Jeffrey Engel lauds Carter's integrity and commitment to human rights, contrasting his leadership style with that of his successor, Ronald Reagan.

Notable Quote:

Historian Jeffrey Engel [23:05]: "Carter made the fundamental mistake, I think, in many ways, of trusting the American people with the entire truth... People want a leader who offers them a pathway."

Carter's post-presidency, however, has been celebrated as one of the most impactful, dedicating decades to humanitarian efforts, particularly in Africa, solidifying his legacy as a force for positive change.

Conclusion

Jimmy Carter's presidency was a period of significant challenges and pivotal decisions that shaped both domestic and international landscapes. While his administration faced criticisms for economic struggles and the Iran Hostage Crisis, Carter's commitment to human rights and ethical governance left an indelible mark on history. Martin Di Caro effectively captures the complexities of Carter's legacy, inviting listeners to reflect on the true consequences of his leadership.

Transcript Reference: The timestamps in the quotes correspond to the transcript provided for accurate attribution and context.