Ep 12. Carter, Part 1

American Experience: The Presidents is a historical documentary series that examines the lives and legacies of the United States' past presidents. In season 1, episode 12, titled "Carter, Part 1," the focus is on the 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter.

The episode opens with a brief overview of Carter's life before he entered politics. Born in Plains, Georgia, in 1924, Carter grew up on a rural farm and attended college at the United States Naval Academy. After serving in the Navy, he returned home and took over the family peanut farm. In the early 1960s, he entered politics, winning a seat in the Georgia State Senate.

The episode then delves into Carter's run for the presidency in 1976. At the time, the United States was facing a number of challenges, including inflation, energy shortages, and a crisis in confidence after the Watergate scandal. Carter, running as an outsider and promising a return to honesty and integrity in government, was seen as a fresh face who could bring much-needed change to Washington.

The episode details Carter's campaign strategy, which was focused on grassroots organizing and speaking directly to voters. He famously walked door-to-door in neighborhoods across the country, introducing himself and asking for support. The strategy worked, and he won the Democratic nomination and then the presidency.

Once in office, Carter faced a number of immediate challenges, including inflation and the ongoing energy crisis. The episode describes his efforts to address these problems, including the creation of the Department of Energy and the development of a national energy policy. Despite his efforts, however, the problems persisted, and his approval ratings began to decline.

The episode also covers Carter's foreign policy, which was focused on human rights and peace. He negotiated the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, which won him a Nobel Peace Prize, but his efforts to resolve the Iran hostage crisis were less successful. The episode details the events leading up to the crisis and Carter's initial response, including his ill-fated attempt to rescue the hostages.

Throughout the episode, interviews with experts and historians provide context and analysis of Carter's presidency. They discuss his successes and failures, his leadership style, and the impact of his presidency on subsequent administrations.

Overall, "Carter, Part 1" provides a comprehensive overview of the 39th president's early years in office, as well as the challenges and triumphs he faced during that time. The episode sets the stage for Part 2, which will delve into his later years in office and his legacy as a president.