Greatest Leaders of the 20th Century

The 20th century witnessed a period of unrest in colonial countries and this unrest triggered revolts and revolutions in different parts of the world. The world was undergoing a major change on the political scene. Countries like India attained independence and several others continued their struggle against the unjust practices. This turbulent period also gave rise to some of the greatest leaders of the 20th century.

Twentieth Century Leaders

These are amongst the greatest leaders of the 20th century. Rating any leader above others is not the purpose of this article. The information given below just presents a summary of the life of these leaders.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
He was one of the leaders of India's Independence Movement. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi led India's freedom struggle against the British regime through non-violent means. Gandhi was born on 2nd October, 1869 in Porbander, Gujarat. A unique example of attaining independence without resorting to armed revolution was set by the freedom struggle led by M.K. Gandhi. 'Satyagraha' (satya = truth, agraha = insistence) was the tool used by Gandhi to weed out the unjust government practices and rules; these facts about Gandhi should help in understanding his work in a better manner. Owing to his great persona and deeds, Mahatma Gandhi is amongst the greatest leaders of all time.

Fidel Castro
Born on 13th August, 1926, Fidel Castro was a political and military leader from Cuba who led the revolution against President Fulgencio Batista and assumed office in 1965. Fidel Castro developed interest in politics in his college years. At that time, the United States influenced most of the government policies in Cuba. This was the main reason behind the social unrest. Fidel Castro attacked Moncada Barracks in the year 1953, however, because of limited support; this attack was unsuccessful and followed the trial and incarceration of Castro. After being released, Fidel Castro led his revolt against the Cuban government in an organized manner. In 1965, he became the Comandante en Jefe as well the President of Council of States. Fighting off the mighty government backed by USA was not an easy job. Fidel Castro is therefore, one of the greatest leaders in recent history.

Martin Luther King Jr.
Born on 15th January, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. Was one of world's greatest leaders; the fight for African-American civil rights led by Martin Luther King Jr. was carried out through non-violent means. The 'March on Washington' (1963) led by Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the important events in history. The "I Have a Dream" speech of his also had a great impact on the American society. The civil disobedience movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. proved to be instrumental in putting an end to racial discrimination and racial segregation. Owing to his great achievements at a relatively early age, Martin Luther King Jr became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (year 1964).

Nelson Mandela
Born on 18th July, 1918, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is a former President of South Africa. He was against the racial segregation that was being implemented legally in South Africa. Nelson Mandela was part of the African National Congress (ANC). The armed-wing of African National Congress, the Umkhonto we Sizwe was led by him. Arrested in 1962, Mandela faced charges of sabotage. He was convicted of these charges and sent to prison for a period of 27 years. He was released from jail on 11th February, 1990. Following his release, Mandela continued with the struggle to establish a multi-racial democracy. Finally, in 1994, Nelson Mandela became the President of South Africa and remained in office till 1999. The great sacrifice of Nelson Mandela places him amongst greatest leaders of the past century.

List of 20th Century Leaders
A short list of greatest leaders of the 20th century is given below. Just like the people described, above, the following leaders also influenced the society and brought about positive changes in the lives of people.

• Winston Churchill
• Indira Gandhi
• John F. Kennedy
• Ronald Reagan
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt
• Mikhail Gorbachev
• Leon Trotsky

The short profiles of greatest leaders of the 20th century illustrated in this article present information about their life and work. These people greatly influenced the development of modern society. It is due to their efforts that we can live in a society that is free of racial discrimination and which is based on democratic principles.