Qualities of Twenty First Century Dictators

732 Words3 Pages
The former dictators of Germany, Russia, China, Cuba and Argentina were as different as the regions they led. All had militaristic backgrounds and personal history that affected their leadership methods. Besides these points, the men had different types of personal appeal and ability that leant them a hand in their rise to power. Adolf Hitler’s leadership qualities were recognized at a young age. He was very well like in primary school and a very spiritual boy. As he grew older he found secondary school to be a challenge and dropped out at the age of fifteen. He found himself rejected repeatedly until he enlisted in World War I as a messenger. His companions soon discovered his powerful personality and energy whenever he made passionate speeches against the Jews and Socialism. It is true that Hitler redefined socialism with redistributing income and war profits, supporting large industries and providing free education, but after listening to one of Hitler’s enthralling speeches, this five foot eight, short legged, dark haired, and pasty skinned man, could make the audience willing to do anything he suggested. As for Joseph Stalin, he was not intellectually gifted or a good orator. He had a soft voice, pock marked face, and a crippled arm. He was born into a dysfunctional family and because of these inferiorities he was driven with a strong desire for greatness. Even as a leader he was determined to make Russia good enough to compete industrially with Capitalist nations. Stalin took a more active approach to things rather than intellectual. He could be described as ruthless and cold hearted. Unlike Hitler who mostly used his words to rouse the people, Stalin used fear by murdering innocent citizens, forced production of goods, and formed an effective secret police. Chairman Mao Zedong was probably the most intellectual of them all. He was a poet and avid swimmer.
Open Document