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Carter Elected President
Jimmy Carter was elected President of the United States with 297 electoral votes to Ford's 241 -
Speech on Humane Purposes in Foreign Policy
In his first speech on foreign affairs, Carter emphasizes foreign policy for the U.S. characterized by "constant decency" and reaffirms his committment to the defense of human rights. -
Camp David Accords
At Camp David, the presidential retreat outside Washington, DC, Carter mediated a peace treaty between President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel. War had existed between Egypt and Israel since the establishment of Israel in 1948. The treaty ended the state of war between the two countries and called for the establishment of diplomatic relations. -
Inflation and Unemployment Rising
Inflation had soared to 13% and unemployment was ranging from 6% to 10%. These are two of the reasons that Carter was not reelected. -
Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT II)
SALT II was passed to continue the Nixon-Kissinger policy in 1979, but was later repealed when the Russians invaded Afghanistan. -
Carter Establishes Department of Education
Carter signed the U.S. Department of Education Organization Act and appointed Shirley Hufstedler as the newly established agency's secretary. -
Iran Hostage Crisis Begins
Armed Muslim militants broke into the American embassy in Tehran, Iran and took everyone hostage in the building. It was retaliation for letting the shah receive medical treatment in the U.S. -
The Election of 1980
Carter loses reelection in the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan. -
Boycott of Olympics
On this day, President Carter ordered a boycott of the 1980 olympic games due to the Soviet Union invading Afghanistan. -
Failed Rescue Attempt
Carter ordered a team of marine commandos to be flown into Iran in Sea Stallion helicopters. Several helicopters broke down, eight commandos were killed and the raid was a failure.
