Two Distinctive Leaders - Gandhi and Hitler essays

Two Distinctive Leaders - Gandhi and Hitler essays At first glance, the similarities between these two men may not be evident, but surely the differences are quite obvious. Professionally, both Mahatma Gandhi and Adolf Hitler were political leaders of high caliber, one being the leader of the Nazi Movement before and during World War II and the other being the political/social leader of the people of India during the time when the country was under the control of the British Empire. And like most leaders, both Gandhi and Hitler were highly admired and often imitated by those who either knew them personally or were part of their environment. Both men also changed forever the very face and character of their individual countries, with Gandhi initiating and leading the movement to force Great Britain from the control and manipulation of India which eventually led to complete independence, and Hitler as the supreme master of the Nazi Movement and instigator of some of the most atrocious crimes against humanity ever recorded in world his tory. It is also a fact that both men were highly driven by their individual personalities to achieve certain goals that would in effect influence the political and social environments of the entire world. Much like Hitler, Gandhi has "out-soared immortality as no other human being (and) his social impact has been unequaled" (Fischer, 67). And also like Hitler, "what was the secret of his spell upon his country and people'" (Clement, 78). With Gandhi, descriptions such as "Hindu saint" and "father of his country" are empty and misleading, and if one was to pin a label upon him, it would surely suggest that he was one of the key public figures of the 20th century as a manipulative idealist, or a person who reshaped society for good or ill. Of course, leadership is a prime ingredient for both of these men, and a list of traits which outstanding leaders tend to possess would aptly describe their characters, behaviors and beliefs. ...