American History 1970s-Early 2000s

The Modern United States ~ Lesson 4 Carter Administration

President Carter

Ford ran for President in 1976 against Jimmy Carter and lost. One of Carter's goals was to bring back the people's trust in the United States government after the Watergate incident.

Domestic Policy

Most of Carter's problems in the United States centered on energy. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries increased the price of oil. This led to inflation. Many people lost their jobs. Carter took the blame for this.

Foreign Policy

Camp David Accords

Carter brought Egypt's President Sadat and Israel's Prime Minister Begin together to talk about peace. The three leaders met at Camp David in the United States. A peace accord was signed in September 1978.

The Panama Canal Treaty

Carter also signed a treaty with Panama that gave control of the Panama Canal to Panama in 1999.

SALT II

Carter continued talks with the U.S.S.R. to limit the number of weapons each country could have. The U.S.S.R. and United States also worked on other issues including ecology, space, and science projects. The United States agreed to sell wheat, corn, and other grains to the Soviets. The grain sales ended when the U.S.S.R. sent troops into Afghanistan.

President Jimmy Carter and Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev sign the 
Strategic Arms Limitation Talks

President Jimmy Carter and Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev sign theĀ 
Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT II) treaty, June 18, 1979, in Vienna.

China

On July 1, 1979 Carter renewed diplomatic relations with China.

Deng Xiaoping and Jimmy Carter during Sino-American signing ceremony.
Deng Xiaoping and Jimmy Carter during Sino-American signing ceremony.

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