The Battle of Waterloo (1824) by Pieneman, Jan WillemRijksmuseum
History is, to a large extent, the story of how individuals have shaped the world around them. Of course, this shaping is not always positive. Many historical characters are deeply flawed and complex, meaning that along with great triumph sometimes comes suffering. But these days history is no longer always written by the victors.
With this firmly in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the greatest leaders in history and find out just what it was that drove them. Plus, you’ll also be able to compare yourself to some of their more flattering characteristics and see what kind of leader you would be.
The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries (1812) by Jacques-Louis DavidNational Gallery of Art, Washington DC
Your ambition knows no bounds
You’re Napoleon Bonaparte
Born in Corsica, Napoleon rose quickly through the ranks of the French military, seizing power in a coup in 1799 and crowning himself Emperor in 1804. A skilled strategist and ruthlessly ambitious, he set about conquering much of Europe. However, his ambition got the better of him and following a disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812, he was forced to abdicate the throne.
Napoleon at the Great St. Bernard (1801) by Jaques-Louis DavidBelvedere
He returned in 1815, only to suffer a crushing defeat against a coalition of European forces at the Battle of Waterloo before being exiled to Saint Helena. However, his place in history was secured. He is quoted as saying: “The only way to lead people is to show them a future: a leader is a dealer in hope.”
Abraham Lincoln (1887) by George Peter Alexander HealySmithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
You can make the big decisions
You’re Abraham Lincoln
The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, presided over perhaps the most troubled period of the nation’s history, the Civil War. He triumphed and managed to preserve the Union, abolishing slavery in the US and modernizing the economy.
Abraham Lincoln (November 8, 1863, printed ca. 1890) by Alexander GardnerChrysler Museum of Art
Born into poverty, educating himself and becoming a lawyer, he was eventually elected Congressman for Illinois. In 1954 he assumed leadership of the Republican Party, becoming President in 1861. Despite being assassinated just days after the end of the war, he is remembered as a man of integrity and principle, regarded by many as the finest of all the US Presidents.
Winston Churchill (1951) by Alfred EisenstaedtLIFE Photo Collection
You’re stubborn, especially when you know you’re right
You're Winston Churchill
Like all the figures on this list, Churchill was a complex character. However, there is little doubt that it was his resolute resistance to Nazi aggression that enabled the Allies to stay in, and eventually win, World War II.
Winston Churchill by Cecil Beaton10 Downing Street
Of mixed English and American heritage, Churchill was born into an aristocratic family and had a mixed career in politics. However, he was one of the few voices increasingly concerned about German military expansion. The country turned to him for leadership when Europe’s liberal democracies were facing their greatest ever threat.
Gandhi At 78 (1946-09-22) by Fox PhotosGetty Images
You always fight the good fight
You’re Mahatma Gandhi
An Indian lawyer, anti-colonialist and ethicist who used non-violent means to successfully gain independence for India from British rule. Gandhi’s insistence on peaceful protest was an inspiration for civil rights movements around the world.
Gandhi At No 10 (1931-11-03) by Central PressGetty Images
He fought for many causes throughout his life, with national campaigns against poverty, for expanding women’s’ rights and building religious and ethnic harmony. He was frequently imprisoned for his protests but always sought to find the most peaceful solution to any problem.
Portrait of Catherine II the Legislatress in the Temple of the Goddess of Justice (1783) by Dmitry LevitskyThe State Russian Museum
You’re willing to do what it takes to get the job done
You're Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great came to power in Russia after overthrowing her husband and second cousin, Peter III, in a coup d’état. She proceeded to unify and modernize Russia, turning it into one of the great European powers.
The Russian Cradle (about 1764–1765) by Jean-Baptiste Le PrinceThe J. Paul Getty Museum
The period of her rule is considered a Golden Age for Russia, a time when the ideas of the Enlightenment took hold and moved the country away from the feudal system. She was also a patron of the arts and architecture, changing the face of the country during her reign.
Winston Churchill (1951-12) by Alfred EisenstaedtLIFE Photo Collection
If you want to know more about some of the great leaders mentioned above, this sneak peek into Number 10 Downing Street is a good place to start.
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