Tom Foster
Looking back on 25 influential leaders in world history is interesting. It becomes clear that humanity makes odd choices in leadership.
Cyrus the Great
As the emperor who founded the first Persian empire, Cyrus did something in world history that few have done since. He ruled for the people and was revered by the people due to his tolerance for other cultures.
Pericles
There are instances when progressivism is a positive thing, as Pericles showed with his contributions to education and democracy. From the richest to the poorest he did his best to include everyone in his day.
Hammurabi
It feels as though Babylonians get a bad rep in world history sometimes. But this leader helped to ensure that even the guilty were given the benefit of the doubt, at least until they were proven guilty.
Alexander the Great
It’s believed by many that Alexander the Great was a bit vain and reached too far. But his military tactics are still alive and well today, and his accomplishments were impressive.
Qin Shi Huang
It’s easy to condemn a person as a tyrant, especially if given reason. But it’s also necessary to show that they did something right, such as unifying an empire. Plus, he helped to start the Great Wall of China.
Julius Caesar
This man was powerful, that much was obvious from the many enemies he accrued over his lifetime. But he also energized Rome by allowing people from other regions to become Roman citizens. It’s a strange testament to one’s rule when your enemies have to create an intricate plot to remove you.
Hatshepsut
Yes, there were female pharaohs, and she was one of them. Not only that, but she was responsible for many monuments being built and trade routes that were necessary to the dynasty.
Ramses II
Considered one of the greatest pharaohs ever, Ramses II ruled for well over six decades. Granted, he was not a perfect man, but he knew how to lead a dynasty.
Cleopatra VII
There’s been a great deal of controversy over where she originated and what race she belonged to, but her accomplishments easily overshadow this. Cleopatra was an intelligent woman who knew how to rule a country.
Wu Zetian
At one point in world history China was floundering due to corruption and chaos. When this powerful leader came to rule however the country changed in ways that helped to make China the powerhouse it is today.
Charlemagne
It’s not just anyone who can unite two entire regions. Strangely, he was illiterate, but this didn’t appear to hamper him that much. Ironically, he did a great job revamping the education system in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Emperor Augustus
This man was for Rome, without a doubt. Whatever else a person can say about him, Augustus did manage to strengthen his domain in a big way.
Constantine the Great
Another Roman emperor, Constantine converted Byzantium to Constantinople, which in turn became Istanbul. Not only that, but he contributed greatly to the spread of Christianity.
William the Conqueror
One doesn’t generally get the title of ‘conqueror’ by being nice. He did build several castles after his conquest, but there’s little doubt that he was a violent individual.
Genghis Khan
This is one individual whose tale has been told many, many times, and in many ways. He wasn’t a kind person, as he ordered the slaughter of entire cities at times. But he did lead an insanely powerful army.
Kublai Khan
As the grandson of Genghis Khan, this individual led the Mongol Empire at its height. While he did help to found the Yuan dynasty it’s fair to state that he wasn’t a pacifist.
Joan of Arc
There are still arguments as to whether Joan of Arc was a divinely inspired figurehead or just a crazed young woman who got lucky. But the bottom line is that she was an inspiration that helped fuel the victory over England.
King Henry VIII
King Henry VIII definitely didn’t leave a positive mark on history. After beheading two wives for failure to give him a male heir, he also helped to cause the split of the Catholic Church.
Suleiman the Magnificent
This was a person who knew how to lead, as he was the longest-reigning emperor of the Ottoman Empire. He had a little more ambition than was necessary, however, and ended up creating a very middle-of-the-road attitude towards his name.
Nelson Mandela
A civil rights leader who was the first black president of South Africa, this man was loved by just about everyone. That is, everyone who wasn’t a fan of apartheid.
Queen Elizabeth I
Female leaders are not an anomaly in world history, but they do manage to stand out on occasion. This woman ruled England for roughly four decades and more and created a time of peace amidst chaos.
Catherine the Great
Amazingly, this woman was the longest-ruling emperor of Russia in her day. She also expanded the country and created one of the greatest powers the world had ever seen.
George Washington
There’s a reason that his name is scattered across the nation and his likeness is seen so often. He was the first president of the USA and he was one of the more important leaders of the Revolutionary War.
Thomas Jefferson
As one of the founding fathers of the USA, he wasn’t a perfect man by any means. But he still had plenty to do with the Declaration of Independence, which means he was all in for America long before it became what it is today.
Tecumseh
There were many leaders among the indigenous tribes who called this country home before it became a nation. He was the type of leader that people rallied around, and in the days when he resisted the US expansion, he was a symbol for many.
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