Mr. James Earl Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was born on October 1st, 1924. Carter grew up in Plains, Georgia, and graduated in 1964 from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He later married Rosalynn Smith. Carter and his wife had three sons named John William, James Earl II, and Donnel Jeffrey. They also had one daughter named Amy Lynn. Before becoming involved in politics, Carter served as a naval officer for seven years. In 1962, he returned to Plains and began his political career.

Carter was elected as the governor of Georgia in 1972. He stood out among other southern governors, because his platform emphasized ecology, government efficiency, and the removal of racial barriers. Carter announced his candidacy for President in December of 1974. He was officially nominated at the Democratic National Convention, and chose William F. Mondale as his running-mate. Mondale was a Senator from Minnesota. Carter campaigned...