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Leaders in History Articles

Every so often, a leader emerges whose legacy seems larger-than-life. Some of them inspire us and invite us to envision a better future, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Others had tumultuous lives and careers that read like a cautionary tale, such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Henry VIII. Still others were tyrants, politicians on the wrong side of history, and various other leaders whose examples we’d do well not to follow, like Russia’s Ivan the Terrible and Andrew Johnson, the first US president to be impeached.

If you want to know more about the people who stood out from their contemporaries, for better or worse, you’ve come to the right place. Our research on historical leaders examines not just who they were and what they did, but the lasting impact they’ve had on the world.

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6 Fascinating Coups That Have Shaken the World

Sudden and illegal seizures of power have the capacity to change world history.

10 Famous Speeches That Shaped History

These powerful speeches continue to linger in the public imagination.

14 Fascinating Books About the Founding Fathers of America

They were more than a stuffy group of old men—in fact, many of them were young and rowdy.

5 Royal Figures Who Were Assassinated

These tragic murders reverberated throughout their kingdoms.

Wyatt’s Rebellion Nearly Upended the English Monarchy

Politician Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger sought to overthrow Mary I.

10 Political Scandal Books That Read Like Thrillers

Sometimes the truth is stranger—and more alarming—than fiction.

Toussaint Louverture: Self-Freed Slave and Hero of the Haitian Revolution

In 1791, the people of Haiti rose up against their oppressors.

15 Books About Fascinating First Ladies

The new Showtime series The First Lady has piqued our interest in the lives of these remarkable women.

Beware the Ides of March...

The Roman holiday was marked by religious observances before Julius Caesar's notorious murder.

10 Enlightening Books About Leadership

Lessons from the greatest minds in history.

9 Books About Benjamin Franklin, “The First American”

Read up on the man who defined the American ethos.

Behind the Crown: 15 First-Class Books About Royalty

Mad for the monarchy? Get a behind-the-scenes look at the great royals of the past.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII

These women are fascinating figures in their own right.

The Importance of FDR’s Fireside Chats

These evening radio addresses revolutionized the relationship between the president and the American people.

3 Infamous Pretenders to the Throne

These may be the strangest cases of claims to power.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell Has Died at Age 84

He was the first Black man to hold the position, amid a long and impactful career as a soldier and statesman.

5 Royal Scandals Throughout History

These faux pas tarnished several family names.

10 Royal Women Who Also Made History as Writers

These 10 accomplished women led countries, wrote poetry, chronicled history, and made their own.