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Pondering History
Jun. 10th, 2006 08:54 pmHow is it that the autocratic dictators of police state sometimes end up being remembered fondly as great rulers and at others get remembered mostly for their crimes?
I mean take Ivan IV, called The Terrible. He basically founded the modern state of Russia and was in most respects a good ruler. What's he remembered for? Going nuts and killing his son.
Napoleon Bonaparte was nasty dictator who killed millions in wars for his own aggrandizement and ultimately failing. What's he remembered for? Being a great military genius.
What separates an Elizabeth I from a Richard III? Will someday Stalin be remembered more for his victories than his barbarities?
I mean take Ivan IV, called The Terrible. He basically founded the modern state of Russia and was in most respects a good ruler. What's he remembered for? Going nuts and killing his son.
Napoleon Bonaparte was nasty dictator who killed millions in wars for his own aggrandizement and ultimately failing. What's he remembered for? Being a great military genius.
What separates an Elizabeth I from a Richard III? Will someday Stalin be remembered more for his victories than his barbarities?