The Story behind 1938 Time Person of the Year: Who Was Chosen and Why?
Time magazine has a long history of selecting a Person of the Year, but the 1938 choice was particularly controversial. Adolf Hitler was the selected individual, which raised many eyebrows and invoked strong reactions from people around the world. In this article, we will explore the story behind the 1938 Time Person of the Year and understand why Hitler was chosen.
The Tradition of Time Person of the Year
Time Person of the Year is an annual tradition started by Time magazine in 1927. The Person of the Year is not necessarily the most admired person, but someone who had a significant impact on the world in that particular year. The individual who is selected receives a lot of media attention, and it quickly becomes an essential part of their legacy.
The Context of 1938
The year 1938 was a tumultuous time in world history, and Hitler was at the center of it. Hitler had annexed Austria and demanded to reunite German-speaking areas in Czechoslovakia, which caused widespread tensions and concerns about another world war. The world was fascinated and frightened by Hitler, and his actions were the primary news headlines of the year.
Why Hitler Was Chosen?
The reason behind selecting Adolf Hitler as the Time Person of the Year was simple: his actions had a significant impact on the world that year. Hitler represented Nazism and Fascism, which was seen as a threat to democratic countries. The choice was not an endorsement of Hitler’s actions but an acknowledgment of his influence. Time’s editor-in-chief at the time, Henry Luce, said that Hitler represented the momentous events of the year and his influence dominated the headlines.
The Controversy of the Choice
The choice of Hitler as Time Person of the Year did not go down well with everyone. Jewish groups and individuals who lost loved ones in the Holocaust were understandably outraged, and several protests were held outside Time’s offices. Many people saw the selection of Hitler as a public relations disaster for Time and suggested that it was a mistake to honor someone who was so widely regarded as evil.
Conclusion
The 1938 Time Person of the Year selection of Adolf Hitler continues to be a topic of discussion and debate. While some argue that the choice was the right one given the significant impact on the world at large, others believe that honoring someone so notorious and harmful was a mistake. Nevertheless, Hitler remains an essential figure in world history, and his selection as the Person of the Year is a reminder of the significant consequences of a single individual’s actions.
