Who Was Jimmy Carter?

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Jimmy Carter’s life is full of surprising twists and turns.

He didn’t just grow up in a peanut farming family—he also served in the U.S. Navy, attended four colleges, and worked as a farmer, teacher, and politician. His story shows that anyone, regardless of background, can rise to the highest office in the land.

While his presidency wasn’t perfect, Carter’s time in office is remembered for both challenges and accomplishments.

One of the most famous events of his presidency was the Iran Hostage Crisis when 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days. This event left many Americans feeling uncertain and fearful, and it played a huge role in how people viewed his leadership.

What Happened During the Iran Hostage Crisis?

The crisis began on November 4, 1979, when a group of Iranian militants stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, and took 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage.

The militants were angry over the U.S. allowing the Shah of Iran (who had been overthrown) to enter the United States for medical treatment. The militants demanded that the Shah be returned to Iran to stand trial, but the U.S. refused.

The hostages were held for more than a year through a time of growing tension between the U.S. and Iran. During this period, the American public grew increasingly frustrated and scared, as it seemed that Carter’s efforts to negotiate their release were unsuccessful.

The hostages were finally released on January 20, 1981, the day Carter’s term ended, after a deal was made involving the release of frozen Iranian assets.

Understanding the Crisis

A key part of understanding this crisis is knowing what an embassy is. U.S. embassies are special places in foreign countries where U.S. ambassadors work to promote peace and strengthen relationships between nations.

The hostages were taken from the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, which made the event even more dramatic.

Many people blamed President Carter for not handling the situation better, especially since the hostages were released just after the new president, Ronald Reagan, took office.

• Do you think that’s fair?
• Could he have done things differently?

As you learn about Carter’s presidency, keep these questions in mind.

Who Was Jimmy Carter?

Watch the biography video below, which was made before he died in 2024. As you do, list at least four to six facts about him. This will help you understand what made him so unique.

Now that you’ve learned about some key moments from Jimmy Carter’s presidency, dive into the Got it? section to discover more details about his life and legacy.