Opinion Poll. Most effective national leader.

1st off, let me say that i've been fascinated by your minds, thoughts and opinions. Thank You all.

With that said, the question is: Who do you think is/was the most effective National leader? Please be specific and annotate why? Just saying "Julius Caesar" doesn't really share your thoughts with the rest of us.

Thank You for participating. I look forward to your responses.

hrxll

My first thought: this seems too hard.
There were diffrent political systems, ancient monarcies, feudal countries, socialism- all controlled by diffrent legislation and their leaders were basicly diffrent.

My vote is a Nobel prise winner, the man responsible for the fall of the totalitarian communist system, wich was the result of his creation of NSZZ Solidarnosc and later, polish president.

Lech Walesa


An effective leader.

[Edited on 11-12-2003 by Johnny]

Alexander the Great. (waits for Colonel to fume)...

At one time, he controlled the whole known world (now that's an Empire). But the why, is answered by how he would integrate local customs with Greek law and culture. This made it less disirable to revolt, and fostered prosperity, while maintaining individuality of culture, yet still made each province feel like part of the whole, of his empire...

well you could say hitler was in effective leader cause he got all of germany behind him. now i wait for colonel to call me a nazi and a racist

Alexander the Great would get my historical vote also...

... but if you're talking about current day leaders I would have to argue that there is no great leader at the moment, pretty much everyone seems to be struggling to get to grips with the now global economy and increasingly global politcal mudpit.

Actually, Hitler was the best thing to EVER hit Germany.

(by this is in no way am supporting, rather I hate, Hitler in any way....This has been a public service announcement)

Perhaps he had smart people around him. You almost have to admire his passion, as misguilded and insane as it was.

I think Lincoln was pretty good. He had tough times to work through and was able to keep a completely divided union from completely annihilating itself.

Hell, in a broad sense of effectiveness, you can't touch Gengis Khan - sustained, grew and expanded his reign with no worries of infrastructure.

Dang Bout, I was going to say that, but I'm at work and didn't have time to go into it.

I agree, Gangus was the man.

Peter the Great of Russia. Energized an entire country and united and led it only through the strength of his will. Alexander was pretty good, and Elizabeth of england was probably the best leader in terms of playing politics.

In general Martial leaders seem to have a fairly good track record until the very end.

Originally posted by KrazyJethro
Actually, Hitler was the best thing to EVER hit Germany.

(by this is in no way am supporting, rather I hate, Hitler in any way....This has been a public service announcement)

Perhaps he had smart people around him. You almost have to admire his passion, as misguilded and insane as it was.

if only he had listened to rommel and hi generals. we'd all be speaking german

True dat. Its much like what Bush has done, surround yourself with good people, listen to them, and you'll do fine

Peter the Great of Russia. Energized an entire country and united and led it only through the strength of his will. Alexander was pretty good, and Elizabeth of england was probably the best leader in terms of playing politics.

The one sad thing about the greatest leaders mentioned is that they were all conquerers. Except for maybe Peter the Great, (and that polish guy, never heard of him), I would have to agree with you on Peter, he did alot of amazing things for the stone age Russians, though at a great cost of human life. This should let you in on a little insight about how we value leaders.

True. When's all is said and done, people look at the greater good more than the lesser evil

You have to give a little respect to King Nimrod of Babylon. According to the mythos, he ruled all the lands, and all the people, and all were one race, and all spoke one tongue, and so it was in all the world.

The man then, having conquered the Earth decided to build a tower to Heaven...and give a shout out to God. (That's AMBITION!)

Of course, though, you know how the story ends.

Stupid God. Screwed up everything.:shk:

You could say the Soverign of Atlantis.
Same morality story on vanity.

OR Adam and his Garden of Eden.
Good ruler, bad advisors.