Jimmy Carter Turns 100: A Century of Change in America

Jimmy Carter, who is about to celebrate his 100th birthday, has witnessed significant changes in the world since his birth in 1924. The global population has surged from 1.9 billion to over 8.1 billion during his lifetime, with notable demographic shifts occurring even before he took office. Carter's hometown of Plains, Georgia, has not experienced the same growth, remaining a small community throughout his life. His wife, Rosalynn, who passed away in 2023, also hailed from Plains, highlighting their deep roots in the area. Carter's presidency marked a pivotal moment in American politics, with the introduction of the red-and-blue electoral map during the 1976 election. This visual representation of political divisions became a lasting feature of U.S. elections, particularly after the contentious 2000 election. Economic conditions during Carter's presidency, such as inflation, are still relevant today, with the price of gasoline in 1980 being comparable to current averages. Throughout his life, Carter has experienced a significant portion of U.S. history, living through 40% of it since the Declaration of Independence. He has seen nine presidencies before his own and seven since, reflecting the evolving political landscape of the nation. His grandson, Jason Carter, noted that the former president remains engaged with current events, particularly with the potential for historic milestones in U.S. politics. Carter's legacy is intertwined with both his personal history and the broader changes in American society, making his centennial a moment of reflection on the past century's transformations.