The Significance of Time’s Person of the Year 1938 and Its Impact on Today’s Society
The Time’s Person of the Year is a yearly tradition that dates back to 1927, and it is an honor given to the person or group of people who have had the most significant impact on the world, for better or for worse, in the past year. However, one year stands out – 1938, as it had lasting implications for the entire world.
Introduction
In 1938, Time Magazine chose Adolf Hitler as its Person of the Year, a decision that caused controversy then and now. It is easy to see why many people were outraged by the decision at the time. Hitler was a dictator who was leading Germany down a path of destruction, and his policies had already led to the persecution of Jews, the annexation of Austria, and the invasion of Czechoslovakia. However, looking back, the choice of Hitler as Person of the Year in 1938 was a pivotal moment in history and holds a significant impact on society today.
The Body
At the time, Hitler was one of the most recognizable figures in the world, and his influence had already dramatically changed the course of history. His aggressive foreign policy had already led to the remilitarization of the Rhineland, the annexation of Austria, and the Munich Agreement – a diplomatic agreement with Britain and France that allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland in what is now the Czech Republic.
Hitler was not chosen as Person of the Year for his actions. Instead, it was the impact of his actions on the world that made him the obvious choice. The world was about to be plunged into World War II, a conflict that would see the deaths of tens of millions of people and the destruction of entire cities.
Looking back, it is not hard to see why Hitler was chosen. His influence was felt not just in Europe, but across the globe. Even today, his legacy can be seen in the rise of far-right groups that seek to spread hatred and division.
However, the decision to name Hitler as Person of the Year is controversial, even today. Some argue that by doing so, Time Magazine was validating his actions and giving him an even larger platform to spread his message of hate. Others argue that by highlighting the danger posed by Hitler, Time Magazine played an important role in alerting the world to the dangers of the Nazi regime.
Conclusion
The decision to name Hitler as Person of the Year in 1938 is still a topic of debate today, but there is no denying that it was a pivotal moment in history. It highlighted the dangers of fascism and set the stage for the global conflict that was to come. Today, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to speak out against hatred and division.
In conclusion, the Person of the Year is a tradition that has been an integral part of Time Magazine’s identity for over 90 years. While it may not always be popular or uncontroversial, its impact on history cannot be denied.
