The Story Of Three Leaders Of All The Times: Genghis Khan, Suleiman The Magnificent, & Josip Broz Tito

A hero is a leader; moreover, a hero is willing to lead and guide those around them to prosperity. Heroes are willing to offer extra assistance when needed and are capable of effectively leading a group of people to success with their wisdom and insight.

Three heroes throughout time that have demonstrated this skill are Genghis Khan, Suleiman the Magnificent, and Josip Broz Tito. First, Genghis Khan was a commemorable leader of the Mongol Empire during the 12th century. During his time, Genghis Khan conquered numerous empires in various places such as central Asia and the Middle East and drove the Mongols to reach the peak of their imperial reign by uniting these nomadic empires. “Masters of cavalry tactics and merciless in war, the Mongols were invincible under Genghis's command; according to the Yasa the Mongols under their Khan were divinely appointed to rule the world and any attempt to resist them was a blasphemy justifying any atrocity” (Helicon 1283).

During Temujin the Great’s reign as ruler of the Mongols, Temujin conquered numerous empires with his outstanding and stellar leadership skills. Soon after Temujin died, the Mongol Empire became the largest land empire to ever exist. “Genghis was not only a warrior and conqueror, but a skilful administrator and ruler; having conquered empires stretching from the Black Sea to the Pacific, he organized them into khanates, some of which lasted until the 17c” (Lenman 1038). Temujin greatly contributed to the successes of the Mongol empire because he was able to demonstrate exemplary leadership skills. Temujin ruled over a million people and was able to lead them to success. Second, Suleiman the Magnificent displayed a similar leadership skill during his era. Suleiman the Magnificent ruled over the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. During his reign, Suleiman helped the Ottoman Empire reached its peak in both political and economic power, and he became the greatest Ottoman sultan to ever rule the empire.“The cultural peak of Ottoman civilization came under Suleiman the Magnificent. He ruled a population nearly three times that of Spain, then the greatest power in Europe and soon to be the dominant power of the Age.” (Spencer C. Tucker 2147)

Suleiman lead his empire to success with his strategic war tactics and intelligent economical and political decisions. “Domestically, Suleiman accomplished a great deal. He reformed the administrative structure, improved education, codified and simplified the laws, and carried out a major building program in Istanbul. Probably the greatest of Ottoman rulers and at war almost constantly throughout his 45-year reign, Suleiman greatly expanded Ottoman power. His rule saw the height of Ottoman influence.” (Cathal J. Nolan 4272) Suleiman the Magnificent was able to successfully guide an entire empire under his command, and by doing so, lead his people toward prosperity and honor. Third, Josip Broz Tito lead Yugoslavia during the 20th century. His leadership helped Yugoslavia break free from the influence of the Soviet Union and founded the Nonaligned Political Movement. “In World War II, Tito proved an effective leader of Yugoslav Partisans. As marshal from 1943, he strengthened communist control of Yugoslavia. As premier and president, he developed an independent form of socialist rule in defiance of the Soviet Union, pursued a policy of nonalignment, built ties with other non aligned states, and improved relations with the Western powers.” (Concise Britannica Encyclopedia 11738).

Josip Broz Tito helped Yugoslavia maintain peace between the Yugoslav Republics by forming the National Front and nationalizing the economy. Tito spread this idea of Yugoslav nationalism by proposing a system that gave equality to all of Yugoslavia’s six republics. “Of all the new Communist states of East Central Europe, only Tito's Yugoslavia had managed to achieve power without the assistance of the Soviet Red Army. As such, Tito's Yugoslavia demonstrated greater independence than the other Communist regimes.” (Alexander J. Motyl 439) Tito aimed to break free from Stalin and the grasp of the Soviet Union even though many people disagreed. He followed his instinct and steered Yugoslavia in the western direction. Because of Tito’s iron fist and strong-will, he was able to reach the political, economic, and social peak of Yugoslavia. Without his strong-headed personality, Yugoslavia would not have improved living conditions in the southern slavic lands for decades to come. Throughout time, many historical figures demonstrated honorable leadership skills that helped lead to the success of many. Not only does leadership benefit the individual, it benefits the whole by building morale and trust. Leadership is an admirable trait, and it is just one of the many characteristics that make up a hero.