The Greatness Of Napoleon Caesar

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

By: Rayomand Neville Anklesaria.

When the question is put forth in this age as to name any leaders or people who inspire you, many popular names arise such as Mahatma Gandhi, Adolf Hitler, Barack Obama, Joseph Stalin, among others. If this same question is put forth to the young generation, they would also have influential celebrities, icons, sports players and even comedians, who are basically the trend setters of today. The way a leader impacts his followers is what makes all the difference. It may be through intelligence or sheer charisma, but being a leader, one must make a difference and set an example.

Through the ages people have seen leaders of all sorts, charismatic and influential, autocratic and democratic, active and passive, violent and non-violent, and the list goes on. Each of these types shows a leadership style or trait and in order to portray how the same type of leadership is depicted in different ways, this essay is a comparative analysis of two such leaders, their contrasting views and leadership styles.

On one hand, Abraham Lincoln, fondly remembered as Honest Abe. To describe him the words that come to mind are:-

Honest, Brave, Smart, Loyal and Self-Aware.

He is best described in the words of Leo Tolstoy:-

"The greatness of Napoleon, Caesar or Washington is only moonlight to the sun of Lincoln. His example is universal and will last a thousand years…. He was bigger than his country--bigger than all the Presidents together… and as a great character, he will live as long as the world lives."

--Leo Tolstoy, 1909

On the other hand we have a leader whose name goes hand in hand with the words ‘World War’. He is none other than Adolf Hitler. Adjectives to describe him as a leader are as follows:-

Assertive, Proselytising, Opportunistic, Inspiring and Decisive.

Even though Hitler is thought to be one of the most immoral political leaders who ever lived, he was also one of the most inspiring leaders who has ever lived. The entire nation was brought together and followed his spectacular leadership.

How similar were Lincoln and Hitler as Leaders?

Each of these men had a different way in which they led their countries but still so similar in their approaches. In order to see what leadership qualities they had in contrast, one must first see the similarities in their leadership scenarios.

Like Abraham, Adolf too led his country through one of the greatest wars of their time, namely the ‘Civil War’ and ‘World War II’. Their work for the uplifment of their countries was also widely similar. Both undertook similar projects such as; nationalising railroads, nationalising banks, both wished to suspend the right of ‘habeus corpus’ (Hitler would have been successful if the Reich allowed such a thing). As we all know, Adolf commanded as a dictator, but Abraham too has been said to have wielded executive power with the force of a dictator. On the surface, the similarities go even further. Both men micromanaged, what was in their time, the largest invasionary military force.

A Short Introduction to Lincoln and Hitler.

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States and deemed by many scholars as the greatest President of the United States. He led the Republicans to defeat the Confederates who were challenging for a democratic United States.

As President, his greatest achievements were; he built the Republican Party into a strong national organization, and abolished slavery within the Confederacy. He is the reason why the nation is called the ‘United States of America’.

Adolf Hitler was the dictator or absolute ruler of Germany from 1934 to 1945 and the leader of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, known as the Nazi Party. While Hitler was in control of Germany, he affected the world in many different ways, some evil, but also many good. This was because he was an exceptional leader. During his reign, Hitler helped Germany’s economy reach prosperity along with helping to strengthen Germany’s military. He helped expand the borders of Germany during his dictatorship. The national unity in Germany during Hitler’s reign was also at its highest peak.

Comparison Between Lincoln and Hitler’s Leadership, According to Leadership Theories.

There are numerous Leadership Theories that one can draw on to compare Abraham Lincoln and Adolf Hitler. The theories used to compare the leadership of Lincoln and Hitler here are:

Trait Theory.

Trait Theory:

Trait Theory holds that people are born with the "right" traits and are naturally great leaders.

Lincoln had many innate traits. Working as a lawyer, businessman, and politician, he became known as "Honest Abe" (A nickname he earned when he promised to pay off all the debt from his failed business). Lincoln demonstrated this sense of integrity during his presidency too. During the war to reunite the nation, Lincoln appointed and replaced several army commanders, but defended each one’s decisions against public attack. Lincoln was known for his humility and empathy toward others and also a unique identification with the common man, possibly this was all influenced by growing up poor. He remained close to the Union troops. Instead of just remaining at the White House and letting things happen, he went for regular inspections of the federal units that moved through Washington, D.C., and also frequently visited the Soldiers, working directly with their leaders. He would also often ride alongside the troops, talking to them and listening. It is clear from the reaction of all those around him that these traits came naturally to Lincoln and it is also seen that he was able to use them to further his political career. Lincoln’s strengths were what the country needed and he knew that. Thus people responded to Lincoln as a natural leader.