Early Life and Political Rise

Jimmy Carter's journey to the presidency began in rural Georgia, where he faced significant challenges and opportunities. After attending the United States Naval Academy, he initially joined the nuclear navy before returning to manage the family peanut business. His political career started with a brief tenure in the state legislature, followed by a gubernatorial race that he lost to a segregationist, only to return and win the governorship with a powerful message against racial discrimination. His grassroots campaign strategy, especially in key early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire, helped him gain national recognition and ultimately secure the Democratic nomination in 1976.