Dictators have used terror and worry to keep their subjects in check throughout history. Surprisingly, these leaders are able to embrace power, but their behavior has steadily deteriorated over the years.
Dictators amass power by intimidating their followers into submission. Dictators don’t kill millions of people and live in luxury because they don’t repress free speech and democracy. Here are the 10 worst dictators in history, from Hitler to Leopold II.
Russian Czar Nicholas II (1868-1918)..READ FULL; FROM THE SOURCE.
The last Russian tsar, Nicholas II, had a reputation for being a sadistic killer. “Bloody Sunday” is the name given to the worst of Nicholas’s deeds. Over a thousand unarmed people were killed when Tsar Nicholas II ordered his forces to open fire on peaceful protestors leading an uprising in St. Petersburg for labor reform and the founding of popular assemblies.
Assad, Bashar (1965-).
It is well-documented that the current president of Syria continues his father’s practice of using chemical weapons against people, including women and children. Assad has not only taken action on the ground, but has also banned social media sites like YouTube and Facebook and issued a directive requiring all remarks on internet forums to be made public and reviewed by the Syrian armed forces.
King of Belgium Leopold II (1835-1909)
King Leopold II of Belgium gained notoriety for his brutal treatment of Congolese workers during his reign. The people of the Congo are being exploited by their government, who force them to labor in mines and harvest ivory for sale on the black market. Leopold sanctioned the use of brutality and beatings to control the Congolese labor force. Leopold formed a private army called the “Public Force” after beatings failed to subdue rebellious villagers. The “Public Force” then set fire to the villages and executed many of the villagers.
Zimbabwe’s Former Leader Robert Mugabe (1924-)
Robert Mugabe is infamous for intimidating potential challengers to his long-term administration in Zimbabwe by ruthlessly murdering supporters of his presidential quest. Mugabe and his administration have continuously increased salaries despite the country’s economic woes, rather than resorting to violence against individuals who disagree with their ideals.
Stalin, Joseph (1878-1953)
Joseph Stalin, one of history’s most infamous dictators, governed the Soviet Union with terror and paranoia. Massacres, starvation, and forced labor resulted in the deaths of millions of innocent Russians under Stalin’s dictatorship.
Hussein, Saddam (1937-2006).
Hussein did a lot as president of Iraq to boost the country’s infrastructure, including its schools, hospitals, and other medical facilities. Hussein’s most notable contribution, however, was the formation of the army, and in particular the People’s Army. Following Hussein’s orders, these forces brutally tortured, raped, and murdered civilians.
He lived from 1893 through 1976 and was known as Mao Zedong.
To this day, Mao Zedong is remembered as the most murderous tyrant in human history; his “Great Leap Forward” campaign resulted in the deaths of 45 million people in just four years. Zedong’s Cultural Revolution in China was responsible for the loss of many priceless artifacts. Schools were closed during the Cultural Revolution, and youngsters were transported to work camps to “teach others,” much to Zedong’s joy.
Hitler, Adolf, 1889–1945.
To give you an idea, Hitler founded his party and started World War II inside a decade. Hitler’s worst deed was planning and executing the Holocaust, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 14 million people.
Idi Amin (1925-2003). (1925-2003).
Idi Amin, the president of Uganda, is also known as the “Butcher of Uganda” due to his brutal rule. During the time when Amim was president of Uganda, an estimated 300,000 individuals lost their lives. Amim established the ironically named “Public Security Unit and the National Investigation Agency” as his personal army to exert control over the populace. Hundreds of Ugandans were slaughtered by Amim’s troops because they wanted money, property, and sexual favors.
Mr. Fidel Castro (1926-)
Famous events that occurred during Fidel Castro’s administration include the failed CIA overthrow attempt at Bay of Pigs and the Cuban missile crisis. Castro consolidated power in Cuba through a campaign of killings, incarceration, and exile.
