FAMOUS WORLD LEADERS

MAHATMA GANDHI
"When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it--always."

Mahatma Gandhi was truly an inspiration and leader to many. He accomplished a great deal through his difficult life, but the strength he found to influence others in following his ideals stemmed from his belief in peaceful protest and civil action. Read this incredible biography for inspiration and idealism. Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent Indian political leader who campaigned for Indian independence. He employed non-violent principles and peaceful disobedience. He was assassinated in 1948 by a fanatic. In India, he is known as 'Father of the Nation'. Gandhi and Indian Independence After 21 years in South Africa, Gandhi returned to India in 1915. He became the leader of the Indian nationalist movement campaigning for home rule or Swaraj. Gandhi successfully instigated a series of non violent protest. This included national strikes for one or two days. The British sought to ban opposition, but the nature of nonviolent protest and strikes made it difficult to counter. Gandhi also encouraged his followers to practise inner discipline to get ready for independence. Gandhi said, the Indians had to prove they were deserving of independence. This is in contrast to independence leaders such as Aurobindo Ghose, who argued that Indian independence was not about whether India would offer better or worse government, but that it was the right for India to have self government. Gandhi also clashed with others in the Indian independence movement such as Subhas Chandra Bose who advocated direct action to overthrow the British. Gandhi frequently called off strikes and non-violent protest if he heard people were rioting or violence was involved. In 1930, Gandhi led a famous march to the sea in protest at the new Salt Acts. In the sea they made their own salt - in violation of British regulations. Many hundreds were arrested and Indian jails were full of Indian independence followers. However, whilst the campaign was at its peak some Indian protestors killed some British civilians, as a result Gandhi called off the independence movement saying that India was not ready. This broke the heart of many Indians committed to independence. It led to radicals like Bhagat Singh carrying on the campaign for independence, which was particularly strong in Bengal.

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NELSON MANDELA "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. " Nelson Mandela made a huge impact in the African content throughout his life. He tried to be an example to those who were divided and discontent. The unity and social change that surrounded his legacy will live on for years to come. Nelson Mandela became an active anti apartheid campaigner in 1952 with his anti defiance campaign with the Congress of the People group whose adoption of the freedom charter provided for the fundamental program of the anti-apartheid cause. At that time Mandela was already a practicing lawyer together with his law partner, Oliver Tambo. Their law firm Mandela and Tambo provided low cost legal services to mostly black clients who otherwise cannot afford costly legal services Like his famous idol, Mahatma Gandhi, he led a mass action for non-violent struggle for the restoration of human rights and continuing his anti- apartheid campaign. For being a prominent figure in this campaign, he was subsequently arrested with 150 other personalities and was charged with treason for which he was acquitted five years later. In 1959, his group ANC lost mass support when fellow Africans who switched loyalties and got financial support from outside sources sympathetic to their cause. And so in 1961, Mandela found himself leading the right-wing group of ANC. It was during this period where Mandela opted to embrace violence as his option of last resort. Together with some of his most trusted allies, they started series bombings in the key cities where government offices are located. Mandela gave strict instructions to his men to avoid harming people in the bombing activities as he explained that this is being done only to send a strong message to the government the anti apartheid struggle will continue until the government give in to the demands of his thousand of supporters. In 1963, Mandela and his close allies was again arrested and charged with plotting to overthrow the government through violence. He was put to trial and after a year he was sentenced to life imprisonment. During his long stay in prison, he refused offers from government for concessions that will lead to his freedom by giving up his political convictions. Nelson Mandela also oversaw the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee in which former crimes of apartheid were investigated, but stressing individual forgiveness and helping the nation to look forward. The Committee was chaired by Desmond Tutu and Mandela later praised its work. He has also campaigned to highlight the issue of HIV / AIDS in South Africa.

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MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. (1929 - 1968)

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Martin Luther King Jr has a remarkable legacy in this life and definitely qualifies as a famous leader. I still have one of his most famous speeches on my IPod that I listen to when i'm needing some motivation. His words were powerful and his mission just. Read about his life and leadership characteristics here. Martin Luther King was one of the most significant leaders of the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He fought tirelessly for racial equality and gaining voting rights for African Americans. Dr. King carried out his struggle with the help of nonviolent methods. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 (being the youngest recipient for it). He was assassinated in 1968. Martin Luther King, Jr. was greatly influenced by Howard Thurman, a civil rights leader and educator. Thurman was a very close friend and classmate of his father at Morehouse College. Martin was very active in Thurmans missionary where he had an opportunity to meet with his idol Mahatma Gandhi in one of his trips to India in 1959. His trip to India and his encounter with his idol gave him a deep understanding of Gandhis unrelenting struggle for change through non-violent means. Bayard Rustin, who studied Gandhis teachings, counseled him to dedicate himself to the principle of non-violence. Rustin is a noted American civil rights activist and one of his closest advisers. His encounters with Gandhi and his constant encounters with his senior civic and spiritual advisers have influenced much in his crusade for peace and equality through non-violent means. Armed with his impressive educational and religious background Martin would get himself involved in actual street demonstrations in protest of segregation and human rights violations. He would stand in the way for anyone who is not treated fairly because of his color or race. He would be in every demonstration throughout the United States to fight for the rights of black Americans. Among the most popular events and venues where he attended in support of his crusade for peace and equality through non-violent means include; the Albany Movement, the Birmingham campaign, the March on Washington, Bloody Sunday 1965 and the Chicago 1966, among others. All these significant events were systematically organized by the civil rights activists with Martin Luther King Jr leading the way to stop racial discrimination and human rights violations through non-violent means. For dedicating his life to the cause of peace and equality, Martin Luther King, Jr. was arrested, jailed and put on trial for various offenses and he would continue his struggle until he was assassinated at the very young age. He was 39 years old when he was shot while he was standing in his hotels second floor balcony. James Earl Ray confessed to the assassination and pleaded guilty to avoid life imprisonment. There were allegations of conspiracy behind Martins death, leaving many questions unanswered until today.

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WINSTON CHURCHILL (1874 - 1965)

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
Sir Winston Churchill was the greatest war-time leaders of the 20th century, having led the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice, from 1940 - 45 and 1951 - 55. His leadership and oratory skills, and courage, helped in boosting the morale of the nation and defeat Germany. Churchill was also a noted artist and writer, having won the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Winston Churchill was known for his courageous leadership through some tough times in war-time Europe. In this biography we focus on the qualities he worked from and outline the specific leadership characteristics which enabled him to succeed. Churchill started his career in military service when he enrolled in the Royal Military Academy in Sunburst. It took him 3 attempts before passing the entrance examinations. He took the cavalry course and graduated number 8 out of 150 graduates in 1894 and was immediately commissioned as 2nd lieutenant with meager salary which was not enough to support his family. While on duty, he tried his hand in writing which eventually landed him as a war correspondent for various London newspapers. In 1895, he was sent to Cuba to cover the war. He also visited New York while stationed in Cuba. There he was influenced greatly by his host, Bourke Cochran who was then an established American politician, a member of the House of Representative and a potential presidential candidate. That encounter in New York would mark the beginning of Churchills political career. But in the interim, Churchill was sent to various locations all over Europe and India to serve as a military officer. He traveled to Pakistan, Sudan, South Africa and other countries to serve his country in war and in time of peace. In 1900, Churchill formally entered politics and was elected for a seat in Oldham general elections. He would later travel to the United States and other countries for speaking engagements earning for him 10 thousand pounds. Eventually Churchill was appointed undersecretary of State dealing mainly with South Africa and later as Secretary of State for War. In 1924, Churchill was appointed as Chancellor of the Exchequer that oversaw the disastrous return to Gold standard that resulted into deflation, unemployment and eventually leading to General Strike of 1926. The transformation was considered as Churchills greatest mistake of his life as the radical changes made on the currency of England brought in chain effects on various industries of the country. This was the beginning of his fall and political isolation. In the meantime war continues and in his role in war for most of hi life has generated for him so much goodwill and support from the British people and he was kept in high regard. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Churchill was again appointed as First Lord of Admirability in 1940 and became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and led the British victory against the axis powers. He lost in the 1945 elections and later become the leader of the opposition. In 1951, he again won the elections and became Prime Minister for the second time before retiring in 1955.

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ALEXANDER, THE GREAT (356 - 323 BC) "I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion." Alexander III of Macedon, commonly known as Alexander, the Great, was one of the greatest rulers and generals in the history of mankind. The empire of Alexander extended from the Mediterranean Sea to the Himalayas. He was a disciple of the Greek philosopher Aristotle. Remaining undefeated, he conquered nearly half the world, and died of fever at the age of 32. Alexander's legacy extended beyond his military conquests. His campaigns greatly increased contacts and trade between East and West, and vast areas to the east were significantly exposed to Greek civilization and influence. Some of the cities he founded became major cultural centers, many surviving into the 21st century. His chroniclers recorded valuable information about the areas through which he marched, while the Greeks themselves got a sense of belonging to a world beyond the Mediterranean. Alexander's most immediate legacy was the introduction of Macedonian rule to huge new swathes of Asia. At the time of his death, Alexander's empire covered some 5,200,000 km2 (2,000,000 sq mi), and was the largest state of its time. Many of these areas remained in Macedonian hands or under Greek influence for the next 200300 years. The successor states that emerged were, at least initially, dominant forces, and these 300 years are often referred to as the Hellenistic period. Legendary accounts surround the life of Alexander the Great, many deriving from his own lifetime, probably encouraged by Alexander himself. His court historian Callisthenes portrayed the sea in Cilicia as drawing back from him in proskynesis. Writing shortly after Alexander's death, another participant, Onesicritus, invented a tryst between Alexander and Thalestris, queen of the mythical Amazons. When Onesicritus read this passage to his patron, Alexander's general and later KingLysimachus reportedly quipped, "I wonder where I was at the time." In the first centuries after Alexander's death, probably in Alexandria, a quantity of the legendary material coalesced into a text known as the Alexander Romance, later falsely ascribed to Callisthenes and therefore known as Pseudo-Callisthenes. This text underwent numerous expansions and revisions throughout Antiquity and the Middle Ages, containing many dubious stories, and was translated into numerous languages Alexander the Great's accomplishments and legacy have been depicted in many cultures. Alexander has figured in both high and popular culture beginning in his own era to the present day. The Alexander Romance, in particular, has had a significant impact on portrayals of Alexander in later cultures, from Persian to medieval European to modern Greek

FAMOUS WORLD LEADERS

ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809 - 1865)

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other."
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States of America, and also one of the most popular leaders in the world. Lincoln was the pioneer of Emancipation Proclamation that abolished slavery in America. He successfully led the American Civil War. Lincoln was criticized for his policies, and was assassinated while serving his term as the president. Abraham Lincoln led our country in the civil war to help free slaves. he argued about the spread of salver in a series of seven debates called the Lincoln-Douglas debates. They were held in seven different towns in Illinois, including Charlestown. Proclamation that declared forever free those slaves within the Confederacy.Lincoln never let the world forget that the Civil War involved an even larger issue. This he stated most movingly in Dedicating the military cemetery at Gettysburg: "that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that As President, he built the Republican Party into a strong national organization. Further, he rallied most of the northern Democrats to the Union cause. On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Lincoln won reelection in 1864, as Union military triumphs heralded an end to the war. In his planning for Peace, the President was flexible and generous, encouraging Southerners to lay down their arms and join speedily in reunion. Lincoln himself stated that; 'Practices may change, but Principles never change' Here's his list of 10 Principles 1. Surround yourself with whatever talent the given enterprise requires 2. Welcome, even encourage principled dissent 3. Timing's not everything but often the difference between success and failure 4. Exercise selective hearing during a contentious group discussion 5. Unless absolutely certain be willing to grant benefit of the doubt 6. Exhaust opponents by listening to them 7. Appreciate effort but only reward performance 8. Serve with malice towards none and charity towards all 9. Lead with 'firmness in the right' 10. When dealing with forceful personalities, focus on common interests

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MAO ZEDONG (1893 - 1976)

"The people, and the people alone, are the motive force in the making of world history."
Mao Zedong, or Mao Tse-tung, was a revolutionary, visionary, philosopher and a leader, who contributed in bringing reforms in China. Mao was a communist leader; but, his policies, based on communism-militarism-Marxism led to a new theory known as the Maoism. Mao was the chairman or the chief of the Republic of China for more than 30 years. Mao Zedong was the Chairman of the People's Republic of China. His two most important acts were the Great Leap Forward in 1958 and the Cultural Revolution between 19661972. The original goal of The Great Leap Forward was to elevate the economic level of the People's Republic up to that of the United Kingdom within fifteen years. To do this, Mao insisted that they must triple China's steel production and establish communes, which contained about five thousand families, and succeeded in stripping the peasants of basic private property, such as their homes and farm animals. To contribute to the mass steel production, people were forced to donate everything they owned, including woks, jewelry, and more, and if they did not provide anything, they would be considered "anti-Party," which could destroy their reputation and life. People were forced to lie about the amount of food they could produce, or else they would be beaten, which resulted in famine all over China. The Cultural Revolution was basically a power struggle between the members of the Communist Party of China, and a way to eliminate types of class enemies such as "rightists", "intellectuals", and "capitalist-roaders". Mao encouraged the violence which was brought about by the Red Guards, who were students and young people who basically attacked and torturted their elders and class enemies for the sake of Mao, and the Gang of Four, which was a terror group led by Mao's wife, Jiang Qing. Mao was an evil dictator who did everything he did to maintain his own power. He put himself before Communism and before China. In the 1950s, Mao had many plans for how China could move forward in technology very fast and catch up with countries like the United Kingdom and United States. Mao was responsible for the First Five Year Plan and also, The Second Five Year Plan. The Second Five Year Plan had some ideas that did not work the way that Mao had wanted them to. Farms could not produce, or make, much food because of bad farming plans, and cities did not make many things like clothes and machines. Because of the lack of food, many people died of starvation. Mao also made several changes to the Chinese language, such as switching from the Wade Giles system of Romanization to Pinyin, which is different. For this reason, Nanking is now called Nanjing on modern maps. Taiwan still uses Wade Giles, so its capital is called Taipei instead of the pinyin Taibei. He also simplified the Chinese characters, in theory it would make them easier to read and write so that more people would be literate.

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INDIRA GANDHI (1917 - 1984)

"People with clenched fists can not shake hands"

Indira Gandhi was the first woman Prime Minister of India, serving for 4 terms from 196677, and again from 1980 until her death in 1984. She was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. She is noted for creating the independent nation of Bangladesh, for conducting successful nuclear tests and for the Green Revolution in India. She was assassinated in 1984. She made India an independent country. Indira Gandhi contributed largely to India, but in her o wn way. She broke away from the congress , and formed the congress I.She brought in the emergency. As Prime Minister, Gandhi became known for her political ruthlessness and unprecedented centralisation of power. She presided over a period where India emerged with greater power than before to become the regional hegemon of South Asia with considerable political, economic, and military developments. Gandhi also presided over a state of emergency from 1975 to 1977 during which she ruled by decree and made lasting changes to the constitution of India. She was assassinated in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star. Indira Gandhi is associated with fostering a culture of nepotism in Indian politics and in India's institutions. The Indira Awaas Yojana, a central government low-cost housing programme for the rural poor, is named after her. The international airport at New Delhi is named Indira Gandhi International Airport in her honour. The Indira Gandhi National Open University, the largest university in the world, is also named after her. Indian National Congress established the annual Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 1985, given in her memory on her death anniversary. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust also constituted the annual Indira Gandhi Prize. The principle of equal pay for equal work for both men and women was enshrined in the Indian Constitution under the Gandhi administration.

FAMOUS WORLD LEADERS

NAPOLEON BONAPARTE (1769 - 1821)

"Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action has arrived, stop thinking and go in."

Napoleon I of France, or simply Napoleon, needs no introduction. He was one of the greatest military commanders, as well as a great leader and tactician in history. He became the ruler of France after the French revolution. Napoleon was victorious in wars with nearly all the major powers of Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte created the L'Arc de Triumphe with his bare hands. He was a father of12. All boys. their names are (from oldest to youngest) Jean, Pierre, Nicolas, Christophe, Henry, Zachary, Grant, Alexander, Reggie, Michael, Larue, and Aaron. He was the king of all murderers and he disgraced the french name and ate all of the country's Danishes. The Above is total nonsense. Yes, Napoleon ordered the Arc de Triomphe constructed, but not with his bare hands. He had one legitimate child and two acknowledged illegitimate children. The last sentence doesn't even deserve a Response. Napoleon contributed much to his country, and Europe. Some of his longestlasting contributions include the Napoleonic Code, a law code, and the Feelings of nationalism his army and Conquests spawned gave birth to many other nationalist movements across Europe, along with spreading the Revolution's Principles. Physically, Napoleon order several buildings constructed and gave Paris a 'facelift', improving its aesthetic appearance. He Revolutionised warfare, introduced mass conscription and the concept of total war. Napoleon also had contributions in the arts, sponsoring many painters, sculptors and composers. He was the reason for one of the most popular name changes in Psychology. The Napoleon complex Putting an end to the Spanish Inquisition in c1801. He employed the great Spanish artist/painter Goya to draw sketches and make paintings of the activities of the Inquisition.

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VLADIMIR LENIN (1870 - 1924)

"Sometimes--history needs a push."

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, was the founder of the Bolshevik organization, and was also one of the prominent revolutionaries of the Russian revolution. Lenin played an important role in overthrowing the autocratic rule of the Romanov Tsars (or Czars) in Russia. Lenin was the first Head of State of the USSR or the Soviet Union. Lenin recognized that for true societal change that the people's minds must be changed as well. It is not enough to dismantle the government through a coup, but the people must understand what the change will bring and why it is necessary. The underpinnings of society must support the change. Thus the revolution that he initiated through his passionate speeches was morally accepted by those that were listening. His failure was also a contribution. He failed to see that economic cycles are naturally evolving. In his first five year plan, where he encouraged capitalism, the people were excited by their own abilities to produce wealth. At the end of that five years he stated that there would be first a socialist, then a communist structure by fiat. They did not naturally evolve from capitalism to socialism, and that is why they were neither ever truly socialist nor communist and ultimately doomed to failure. From this, particularly Antonio Gramicci, established that capitalism (or any supportive economic theory) is inherently linked to the governmental structure and that the change of the economic structure must also be accepted by the people as well, for any true revolution to sustain a new societal fabric. In essence that made Lenin the first neo-Marxist, because his theories used Marx's theories to change the way scholars view capitalism. Lenin was the first communist ruler in Russia and all the world who came to power. He published newspapers and went around spreading a lot of propaganda. He was a charismatic leader who disposed the kerensky provisional government and established the first ever communist state and he along with trotsky crushed the civil war. He exported communism and held comm interns which in a way made Russia the 'head' of communism. He was set to rule Russia for a long time before his un timely death in 1924 due to his 3rd stroke. He is considered the patriarch of communism second only to marx and engels. He also set out on his experiment of the NEP which proved a huge success. He was, along with trotsky and zionev a major factor in the russian revolution.