Summary
Many European world leaders have great virtues as well as legacies. Studying and appreciating the efforts of all past leaders, which are enjoyed today, is essential. Every leader is characterized by strengths and weaknesses, which define how great a leader is. Most outstanding leaders maximize their strengths and try not to be affected by their shortcomings (Wilde).
Outstanding leadership is typically attained through deliberate focus and the laborious pursuit of individual and group improvement; this improvement necessitates striving for self-awareness, an understanding of leadership competencies, and a willingness to continue growing. The most outstanding European leaders addressed in this paper are Willy Brandt of Germany, Margaret Thatcher, a British leader and prime minister of the United Kingdom, Vaclav Havel of the Czech Republic, and Winston Churchill, a great British leader.
Greatest Achievements
Willy Brandt
Willy Brandt was a highly rated German leader for various milestones that he achieved. Brandt is recognized for multiple achievements, including improving the relations between East Germany, other communist nations in Eastern Europe, and the Soviet Union, which proved to help strengthen the economic condition of the European Community (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). Willy became famous through this achievement, which is considered his most significant.
Willy Brandt achieved his success as the mayor of West Berlin, where he was elected to the parliament after World War 2. The leader reaped from this effort by being honored with a Nobel Prize for Peace in 1971. Willy Brandt also had more achievements, including being named the Man of the Year by Time magazine in 1970.
Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher was a promising leader with a unique political style. Margaret earned most of her achievements through her reign in British administration, including becoming the first woman to lead a major political party in the UK. Her most outstanding achievements are Tony Blair and New Labour.
“The Iron Lady”, her nickname that was coined due to her uncompromising leadership style, had other achievements, which include being the first lady to be elected as the Head of Government in Europe (Margaret Thatcher). The Iron Lady also successfully handled the crisis in the Iranian Embassy. Margaret Thatcher is also greatly remembered for her involvement in implementing the free market economy in Britain. She was able to impose economic policies that aided in lowering the state’s inflation rate. Margaret is also remembered for ensuring that Britain’s war was successful.
Vaclav Havel
Vaclav Havel was the president of the Czech Republic and a stand-out leader whom many people adored. Vaclav Havel’s achievement is realized in one instance and is considered his most outstanding achievement. Havel distinguished himself as an opponent of the communist dictatorship. (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Vaclav Havel | Biography, Plays, and Facts”). The leader asked people of totalitarian countries to engage in their daily lives and assume that the regime did not exist.
Havel was a man of his word because he also walked the talk; he practiced whatever he preached. Vaclav is considered a true leader because he did not change his ways after the fall of communism. Unlike other leaders who focused on destruction, the leader further understood reconstruction’s importance.
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill was a key player in Britain’s politics, leading them to victory in World War 2 when he was the Prime Minister. Winston Churchill is greatly honored for his role in World War 2. Churchill and his men were welcomed into the war when Germany invaded Belgium. He ferried hundreds of thousands of British soldiers to France for the war by using Navy ships. The leader blocked the Germans from transporting food materials into its port in the North Sea through his navy.
After being given complete control to head the Air Force Department in the UK, Churchill developed several tactical military strategies and ensured that the UK contributed to its allies (Rosenberg). Winston Churchill also had several other achievements, such as receiving the Nobel Prize for his writings. Churchill also fought to impose the minimum wage, which covered workers in diverse industries. The leader became the Lord of Admiralty.
Crisis Management
Willy Brandt
Willy Brandt laid a wreath at the memorial to the Warsaw Ghetto, which commemorated the courage of many Jews who perished in the ghetto while attempting to escape the German occupiers. Brandt then fell on his knees with his head tipping forward slightly. Will’s actions signified he did what would be done when words could not work. The act was to persuade forgiveness for the Germans who caused the murder (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica).
The actions by Willy Brandt were considered honest because it was never planned, and even his close aides were as surprised as other people. Brandt also visited Germany’s eastern neighbor and signed the Treaty of Warsaw. By signing the pact, he accepted the loss of the former German lands in Eastern Europe that Poland had annexed following World War 2. Brandt was instrumental in bringing the East and West together, which sparked peaceful revolutions in Poland and Germany, reunification, and finally, a genuine partnership between the two countries. Brandt’s gesture is reflected in Germany’s two–euro coin and greatly inspires people today.
Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher portrays her ability to handle crises through Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and the Falklands crisis. She developed a positive relationship with the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who was a doorway to the end of the Cold War. Thatcher attained victories but was never generous to those defeated through words or deeds, thus unable to bring harmony (“Margaret Thatcher”).
There were damaging features of Thatcher while handling the Gulf Crisis: their advocacy for using chemical weapons against Iraqis and her secrecy. She saw that communication with the United States was too important to be shared with the responsible leaders. Thatcher’s use of chemical weapons came as advice to the government in case Iraq also used chemical weapons. The way that Thatcher handled the crisis led to her fall because the mismanagement led to a loss of confidence in allies and bypassing proper processes, which were a danger to her political position.
Vaclav Havel
Vaclav Havel depicts authentic leadership in crisis times as a Czech citizen. Through Vaclav Havel, Czechoslovakians got liberty from the Iron Curtain, marked by a lack of political and civil freedom (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, “Vaclav Havel | Biography, Plays, and Facts”). Havel used his voice and pen to fight for the well-being of the people of the Czech Republic. Havel believed leaders could rise beyond their power and interests and act according to the people’s interests.
Havel also faced several shortcomings during his reign, including economic difficulties and international tensions. Havel emphasized the importance of dialogue between the states after the “Velvet Divorce”. Floods hit parts of the country, and Vaclav’s response was to visit the victims and mobilize resources to assist them. Effective communication and commitment enabled the leader to emerge victorious during crises.
Winston Churchill
During the reign of Winston Churchill, he faced many crises, including military and domestic turmoil. Churchill believed in union and understood that only a united Britain could secure victory over the Nazis. Other leaders, except Churchill, thought that the only chance Britain could survive after the defeat of France was by begging Hitler for mercy.
Churchill’s first action was to unite the nation, which was dispirited (Rosenberg). He was also instrumental in strengthening the people during a rapidly deteriorating military situation. Churchill spoke to the government each time, discussing the latest military developments, thus preparing them for the Nazi onslaught. Churchill understood the risks associated with the war but instilled confidence in Britain that it would triumph.
Moral Character
Willy Brandt
During his tenure, people were treated right because Willy Brandt was a man of the people. Several people conversed with Brandt, and they confirmed that he was a man of humor and warmth. Brandt’s treatment of the people is also realized through the efforts of Brandt to achieve peace and rebuild ties with East Germany, the Soviet Union, Poland, and Czechoslovakia.
Brandt also launched several domestic reforms for the good of the people. He found national and international policies, which helped him achieve incredible feats (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). Mistreatment of people occurs with the Red Army Faction as the primary victims. The terrorists encountered a maximum security jail where a number of them, including their leaders, were held. There were also several allegations of improper conduct and infidelity during the time of Willy Brandt.
Margaret Thatcher
The treatment of Margaret Thatcher is realized through her cooperation with the Black and Ethnic Minority (BAME). During her reign, there were consequences for politicians who stoked racial hatred through coercive policing. Thatcher openly preached for the immigration of blacks. The speech on immigration and race soared her popularity, and she was elected prime minister (“Margaret Thatcher”). Margaret Thatcher meant her words because Britain’s inner cities were burning after the election, and she contemplated arming police to quell rioters.
During Margaret’s reign, it is noted that she hated working people and turned the nation against them, leading to violence. The market economic policy that she implemented regarding the free market is believed to be the cause of the financial crisis in the country. Thatcher defamed the idea of community, leading to a more divided society.
Margaret Thatcher’s critics claim that her leadership was associated with pitched battles, inner-city riots, and social unrest caused by the poll tax. Her policies induced suffering for many ordinary working-class people in the country. During her reign, there was mass unemployment due to her elimination of the manufacturing base. She also used virtual police state methods to suppress people involved in the strike.
Vaclav Havel
Havel was able to treat people right through his determination to fight for people’s human rights. The struggles of Havel are easily visible as he was jailed several times by the communist government while fighting for human rights. Havel advocated for the truth and stood up to a communist regime, telling lies all day (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, “Vaclav Havel | Biography, Plays, and Facts”). He paid for the truth by being detained for five years and having broken health.
As the president, Havel stood up for open-mindedness, tolerance, and civility for the humiliated people, especially for people like the Romany. A deep concern marked Havel’s political career for the welfare of the people he served. There are no major allegations concerning Havel’s mistreatment of people. Havel supported the American and British invasion and occupation of Iraq, which attracted criticism both at home and abroad.
Winston Churchill
Through Churchill, Britain and the United States explored the idea of common citizenship. Churchill is among the people whose virtues and vices have been revealed through his personality and role during the war. Churchill motivated citizens of Britain to resist dictators and their assault on the rest of Europe (Rosenberg).
Churchill is also considered a social reformer because he introduced age pensions and other social innovations in Britain. Winston Churchill’s character is revealed through his ability to engage in public speaking and manipulation. His power assisted the country because he could offer morals and manipulate people into protecting themselves. Churchill was also a skilled writer whose literature had a lasting impact worldwide.
Mistreatment by Winston Churchill is realized through his actions during the Tonypandy riots, where he deployed troops to control striking miners, which led to the death of one Man. Churchill also ordered the area bombing of German cities, where tens of thousands of people lost their lives. Churchill failed to act during the Bengal Famine, which caused the deaths of many Indians. Churchill is known for his colonialist views and controversial comments on race and ethnicity.
Argument
The most outstanding world leaders for the European Mt Rushmore are Willy Brandt, Margaret Thatcher, Vaclav Havel, and Winston Churchill. Categorizing leaders according to greatness is complex because all leaders have their legacies and shortcomings. According to the analysis, the listed leaders are the greatest.
Willy Brandt
Willy Brandt is a key leader of West Germany and is considered to be among the most outstanding leaders in Western Europe. During the Cold War, Willy Brandt was instrumental in promoting social justice and strengthening the relationship between the East and West. Brandt is among the greatest because he went beyond the norm and asked for forgiveness for his people by kneeling. Considering his status, this was a surprising and intelligent way to ask for forgiveness, where words can fail. It was through that unselfish act that Germany and Poland developed a reunion and a partnership.
Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher’s name also appears among the greatest; she was the first woman to lead a political party. During Thatcher’s tenure as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the state experienced significant political and economic reforms. Margaret Thatcher depicted the achievements that women can make in politics.
She had an uncompromising style of leadership, which gave ladies the courage to participate in politics. Despite being uncompromising, she is a great leader because sometimes leadership requires being uncompromising. The leader also led the United Kingdom through various successes, showing the true definition of a great leader.
Vaclav Havel
Vaclav Havel is regarded as the champion of democracy, making him one of the most outstanding leaders. Havel was a key figure in Czechoslovakia because he advocated the importance of dialogue between states. Havel is regarded as a great leader because he fought for the people’s freedom, even though he was not powerful.
The leader’s true intention for the people is depicted through several arrests that he encounters, which helps. Vaclav, also a writer, used his pen and voice to preach against communism, which brought a positive yield. The leader’s greatness shows that he did not change his ways after ascending to power, and he also practiced what he said.
Winston Churchill
The list of the most outstanding leaders includes the British leader Winston Churchill. Churchill was imperative for the British in World War 2. He significantly improved the morale of his people during their lowest times to fight against Hitler. The leader also recorded various achievements, including the Nobel Peace Prize, an award given to great people.
Controversial Leaders
Several other leaders are not included in the list of greatness for several reasons. Benito Mussolini of Italy is not considered a great leader because of his association with fascism, which led to the alliance between Italy and Germany during World War 2 (Blakemore). World War 2 was destructive and claimed the lives of many people.
Nikita Khrushchev and Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union were not the most outstanding leaders because they were associated with political repressions and human rights abuses (Gibney). In the Soviet Union, freedom of speech was suppressed, and dissent was punished. There was no tolerance for independent political activities involving participation in labor unions, independent churches, private corporations, and opposition parties. The citizens were also limited in their property ownership rights and the freedom of movement, both inside and outside the country. The activists for human rights were also subject to harassment and arrests.
Works Cited
Blakemore, Erin. “Benito Mussolini and the Rise of Fascism in Italy.” History, 2023. Web.
Gibney, Frank B. “Nikita Khrushchev | Biography, Pictures, Cold War, and Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 2023. Web.
“Margaret Thatcher.” HISTORY. 2020. Web.
Rosenberg, Jennifer. “Biography of Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the UK.” ThoughtCo. 2019. Web.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Vaclav Havel | Biography, Plays, and Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 2023. Web.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Willy Brandt | German Statesman.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 2023. Web.
Wilde, Robert. “Influential Leaders in European History.” ThoughtCo, 2019. Web.