History's Verdict: Hero or Villain?

Joseph Stalin was the leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953. Under Stalin's rule, the concept of "socialism in one's country" became a central tenet of Soviet society.

An Italian politician, journalist, and leader of the National Fascist party, Benito Mussolini was a key leader and ally to Hitler during WWII. Was he an evil man? Or was his legal dictatorship formed with good intentions?

Adolf Hitler was arguably the most evil man in all of history. See his story from his rise to power all the way until is just demise.

Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in their most dire hour, WWII, and again from 1951-1955. Was he the great man we all believe him to be?

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States, leading America through a time of worldwide economic depression and total war.

Hirohito was the leader of Japan during WWII but was never prosecuted for war crimes as many other leading government figures were. His involvement in wartime decisions remains controversial.

Although Hitler was a terrible man, Heinrich Himmler was one of the persons most directly responsible for the Holocaust, the most tragic and atrocious act of human capability.

General Bernard Law Montgomery certainly earn his nickname, "The Spartan General", as commander of the British Eighth Army from 1942 until the final allied victory in Tunisia. He was a key element that helped the allied forces prevail.

George Smith Patton Jr. was a U.S. Army general who commanded the 7th U.S. Army in the Mediterranean and Europe during WWII, but is best known for his leadership of the 3rd U.S. Army in France and Germany following the Allied invasion of Normandy.

Charles De Gaulle was the leader of Free France from 1940-1944, and was the dominant figure of France during the Cold War era. His memory continues to influence French Politics.

Douglas MacArthur was an American five-star general and Field Marshal of the Philippine Army. He was Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II.

Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox, was a German field marshal of World War II. Due to his humane and professional demeanor, he was well respected among not only his own troops, but also by his enemies.

When Dwight D. Eisenhower left office, he was considered by many historians to be very low on our list of presidents, but as previously closed papers and records are released, we find out that he was one of our greatest.