Controversial Leaders in history.

2014-08-22T20:25:10-04:00

We all know that POTUS has made some controversial choices but he is not the only one. My favorite President and historical figure in American history has done few worse. I give you Andrew Jackon! He is the only president to have killed a man in a duel. Not good enough. While he was president he was first to be subjected to an assassination attempt. While he failed and Andrew Jackson ended up beating the would be assassination with his cane. Or even worse. While he was a General he was charged with defeating the Indians in Georgia and to prevent the Indians from fleeing to Florida and taking refuge. Florida was controlled by Spain at the time. So he decided that the best way to do this was to invade Florida and pretty much wipe out anyone in his way. To include Indian villages. He also tried, convicted, executed two Brits that were down there also.

Yet, he is an American Hero and was elected after doing some extremely violent acts.

I am sure there are others out there. I am sure some thought it would lead to the end of the US but the US went on. What other leaders can you think of that were controversial, whether it be military or civilian?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 22 at 2014 9:21 PM

2014-08-22T21:21:12-04:00

Patton. Though I love the man dearly and he is an American icon, a lot of the things he managed to get away with in WWII make the things that modern day GOs are getting relieved and/or retired for today look like minor infractions.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 25 at 2014 2:24 PM

2014-08-25T14:24:34-04:00

History has a funny way of defining "controversial". Sure, Andrew Jackson was just down right a bad ass but what makes him controversial now may have been considered okay back then.

Throughout history those in power have been controversial. From wanting to expand west into the unknown to saying every person regardless of skin color is equal to taking this country into a war that most saw was not our fight to standing on a pile of a fallen building saying the country will not tolerate terrorism; each leader faced their own hurdles. How they overcame them may have been viewed as controversial then but at okay now or visa versa.

Maybe it was the way they talked. Take a look at our beloved Gen Mattis. He is viewed by some as a hero while others think what he has said in the past crosses the line. Personally, I think he will go down in history as one of the best leaders in US Military history.

Again, I think a lot of it has to do with the time in which the person was in power and the issue(s) they faced and how they overcame them that would make them controversial.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 13 at 2014 3:58 AM

2014-09-13T03:58:26-04:00

I may catch some flak over this, but I have to say MacArthur. It never sat right with me that he left the Solomons saying "I shall return". After the Marines kicked ass, he returned like the hero in shining armor.

I think thats on a par with Kerry getting a silver star for attacking an VC machine gun emplacement and taking their weapons. Yea, after they were wiped out by the PT boats and had exhaused their ammo.

Correct me if I'm wrong but thats how I understand it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 10:47 AM

2014-12-20T10:47:30-05:00

i am sure our current president will go down in history as one of our most controversial leaders in our time.

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made May 24 at 2017 1:46 AM

2017-05-24T01:46:09-04:00

The sad fact as I see is that I do not think a single one of our best LEADERS (Military) throughout history, would be hard pressed to make it past CPT (O-3) if they even made it that far in today's military (or over the last 20 years or so) MAYBE Bradley, but he is the only one I think MIGHT