Carter Flashcards
What portrayal did the media give Jimmy Carter during his campaign?
Portrayed him as ‘I’m just a peanut farmer from Georgia’
This emphasized his outsider status.
What were some of Jimmy Carter’s professional qualifications?
Nuclear physicist, Naval officer, Governor
His diverse background contrasted with his campaign image.
What issues did Carter focus on during his campaign against Ford?
Economy and Ford’s Nixon pardon
Economic conditions were a significant factor in the election.
What was the result of the 1976 presidential election?
Carter won with 50.1% vs 48% for Ford
The election was notably close.
Which regions did Carter and Ford receive support from in the election?
Carter got the South/East, Ford got the West/North
Geographic voting patterns were evident.
What was the unemployment rate during Carter’s presidency?
Unemployment at 8%
This was part of the economic challenges he faced.
What was the inflation rate during Carter’s presidency?
Inflation at 5.5%
High inflation contributed to economic distress.
What energy policy did Carter propose?
Cut usage, reduce oil and gas, insulate homes, use solar energy
Aimed at addressing high energy prices.
How did the public respond to Carter’s nuclear energy proposals?
Negatively, citing his background as a nuclear physicist
Public fear of nuclear energy was prevalent.
What were some of Carter’s economic initiatives in March 1979?
Tax cuts, public works projects, raised minimum wage, increased support for farmers
Aimed to improve economic conditions.
What was the unemployment rate by the end of 1980?
Unemployment at 7.4%
Economic conditions worsened leading into the election year.
What record high did the debt reach during Carter’s presidency?
Debt at record high
Economic policies were controversial and faced criticism.
What was the interest rate during Carter’s presidency?
Interest rates at 20%
This was a significant economic issue.
What social issues did Carter address during his presidency?
Protected environment, human rights, pardoned draft dodgers
His presidency focused on social reforms.
What was the main narrative of the 1980 election regarding Carter?
Carter’s failures and the rise of the New Right
This included both domestic and foreign issues.
What was Ronald Reagan’s famous quote regarding government?
‘Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem.’
This reflected New Right ideology.
What significant foreign policy event occurred in 1979?
Soviets invaded Afghanistan
This escalated tensions during Carter’s presidency.
What was the SALT II treaty aimed at?
Reduce nuclear weapons
It was a continuation of détente policies.
What did Carter announce regarding countries committing human rights abuses?
They would not receive economic or military aid
This policy aimed to promote human rights globally.
What was the outcome of the Panama Canal negotiations?
The canal was turned over to Panama at the end of 1999
This was controversial and viewed as a betrayal by some.
What was the Camp David Accords?
An agreement between Egypt and Israel to stop fighting
It was a significant achievement in Middle Eastern peace efforts.
What major crisis defined Carter’s presidency?
Iran Hostage Crisis
Americans were held hostage for 444 days.
What role did Reagan play during the Iran Hostage Crisis?
Sent envoys to discourage acceptance of Carter’s proposals
This further complicated the situation for Carter.
