The Fascinating Story of the Person of the Year 1938: Hitler, Stalin, and Roosevelt
It was the year 1938, a critical period marked by political and economic instability, as various world powers struggled to maintain control. As the world plunged into chaos, TIME magazine decided to highlight the three most important figures of the year, recognizing them as the “Person of the Year.” The choice for 1938 was not an easy one, as the magazine had to consider how to honor those who had the most significant impact on global politics. The final decision was to recognize three very different individuals: Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Franklin Roosevelt. In this article, we will explore their fascinating stories in more detail.
Adolf Hitler: The Rise to Power
In 1938, Hitler’s power and influence were rapidly growing, having conquered Austria and Czechoslovakia in the preceding year. The Nazi regime had already started spreading terror across Europe, and it was clear that Hitler’s expansionist ambitions posed a significant threat to world peace.
Hitler’s rise to power began in the 1920s, and he quickly became the leader of the Nazi Party. Through his powerful oratory and sheer charisma, he managed to rally the German people around him and gain support. Hitler exploited the dissatisfaction of the German people, promising them a better future and a return to their former glory.
His aggressive foreign policy eventually led to the invasion of Poland in September 1939, and the start of World War II. Regardless of the atrocities that would follow, Hitler’s influence on global politics could not be denied.
Joseph Stalin: The Soviet Union’s Iron Fist
Stalin had been in power for over a decade in 1938 and had established a ruthless dictatorship in the Soviet Union. He was responsible for the death and imprisonment of millions of people who opposed him. However, he also led the Soviet Union through its industrialization, making it a major world power.
Stalin’s primary concern in 1938 was the looming threat of Nazi Germany, which he recognized as a significant threat to the Soviet Union. He would go on to sign the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact with Hitler’s Germany, despite the ideological differences between the two regimes.
It could be argued that Stalin’s decision to collaborate with Hitler ultimately helped the Soviet Union win World War II by creating a much-needed buffer zone between the two countries.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: The New Deal President
As the President of the United States, Roosevelt faced significant challenges during his time in office, including the Great Depression and the growing threat of war in Europe. However, he was determined to improve the lives of the American people through his New Deal policies, which focused on rebuilding the economy and creating jobs.
Roosevelt also recognized the threat of Nazi Germany and worked toward creating a coalition of allies to stop their expansionist ambitions. His support for the Allied cause ultimately led to American involvement in World War II.
Roosevelt’s leadership and progressive policies would have a lasting impact on both the United States and the world.
Conclusion
In 1938, TIME magazine recognized three very different figures as the “Person of the Year.” Hitler’s influence on world politics was undeniable, and his aggression would eventually lead to a devastating world war. Stalin’s ruthless dictatorship allowed the Soviet Union to become a global power but at a significant cost to its population. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies and leadership were critical in helping the United States recover from the Great Depression and play a vital role in World War II.
Although the three individuals recognized as the “Person of the Year” for 1938 had vastly different beliefs and ambitions, their impact on world politics and history cannot be denied. It is essential to understand their stories to appreciate the complexity of 20th-century history and its effects on the world today.
