Abstract
This essay argues that Hitler's charismatic leadership has been an overrated factor in the success of National Socialism in pre-war Germany. The author contends that the appeal of the NSDAP was its rhetoric and propaganda tapped into preexisting social values and standards, such as German folk and rural movements. The author concludes that Hitler did not appear in a political vacuum, nor did he ascend to power alone, nor did he present much that was new. Various historical references are presented throughout the paper to support the author's thesis.

From the Paper
"The psychological and historical appeal of fascism to the German people, particularly the ruling and corporate elites living under Weimar, cannot be understated. The instability of government and economics during this period, and the fragmentary and combative relationship between left- and right-wing parties between World War I and 1928 spawned a fertile rejection of centrist ideologies. Conventional historiography suggests that German fascism was both a reversionary response to post-Enlightenment liberalism and a protective reaction to socialism; it soldered together hitherto disparate interests with the common goals of nationalist regeneration, social unity and subordination to state and leader."

Tags:Pre-War Germany, Fascism, Antisemitism, propaganda

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses whether Hitler was a strong dictator or not. The writer finds that if one believes a dictator's strength to be defined by their level of administrative control of the state, it can be argued that Hitler was a weak dictator. The writer also finds that if one believes a dictator's strength is determined by their ideological following, Hitler again was a strong dictator. The writer concludes that whether Hitler was a weak dictator or not is entirely dependent on the individual's belief in what constitutes a strong or weak dictator.

From the Paper
"Under Nazi rule, Hitler led Germany to total war and to genocidal actions against both Russia and the Jewish nation. These were state actions of the most severe nature. That Hitler was Germany's dictator is hard, if not impossible, to deny. Whether Hitler was a strong dictator or a weak dictator, however, is an intensely debated question. In the absence of having lived as Hitler or at the least within the very upper echelons of Nazi leadership, one can only truly speculate based on limited primary sources, the level of Hitler's dictatorial strength during his dictatorship. Some, such as Hans Mommsen in his piece 'Hitler's Stellung im Nationalsozialistischen Herrschaftssystem' and Martin Broszat through his text 'The Hitler State: The Foundation and Development of the internal structure of the Third Reich', have argued conclusively that Hitler was somewhat of a weak dictator, with the true power of the Nazi state lying in fragmented decision making processes dispersed throughout the state."

Tags:nazi, german, fascism, genocide, dictatorship, adolf

Abstract
A look at the leadership skills required for naval command. The author discusses the characteristics necessary for successful naval command: resilience, toughness, ruthlessness, and examines how these apply in case study examples.

From the Paper
'Leadership and command are dependent on a complex mixture of several factors that make any attempt to quantify the qualities as a concept elusive. In any situation, which is of itself a huge variable, the opportunities presented and the individual personality and capacity must be analyzed in conjunction with, and often juxtaposed against, the context. Thus in many respects leadership and command can only really be studied on a case by case basis. In terms of naval command the problem is compounded by the medium itself, the sea. When the entropy of war is the background to which the particular scenario is set the problem of quantification would seem to be even more difficult.'

Tags:navy, army, strong, tough, resilient, hard, strong, minded, leadership

Abstract
This paper looks deeper into the lives and personalities of individual monarchs in an attempt to achieve a greater understanding of the complex way they treated their subjects in post-despotic Russia. A study contra to most of the individual psychology based papers, with more of an attentive outlook towards the link of the monarchy of Russia and the autocrats as a leading caste more so than an individual. The paper shows how the monarchs chose to view themselves and how this affected their reigns. It views historiography grounded on over-arching theories, and leaves a closer, more psychologically-oriented picture of individuals who played extraordinary roles on the world's stage. Finally, it focuses towards conclusions of the effect on the monarchy and Imperial Russia through the upbringings of Catherine's two elder grand children as well as the gubernatorial interactions in history with the monarchs of Russia.

From the Paper
"The soul of the immortal divine King Osiris becomes the soul of every Egyptian, as Christ becomes the soul of every Christian, so does the function of a monarch. A monarch is a social apparatus to will and decide and a model for all subsequent acts of free will and the ego of the individual. Originally attributed to law making functions a monarch has by modern man become the inner court of conscience. (2) The final century of the 300 year old Romanov Dynasty saw an unrelenting ineffective series of reigns. Incompetence is naturally not an especially rare quality in a monarch, as history shows us, but indeed, by definition, as they come to power through birthright and not merit the deleterious effects alone result in the occasional tyrant or foolish monarch."

Tags:aryan, autocracy, cccp, economics, empire, europa, Pavlovichi

Abstract
This paper follows the rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany, exploring the varying factors that led to its success. Hitler's use of propaganda to exploit the fears and desires of the German people (and ensure his own rise to power) is a major focus of this essay.

From the Paper
"The surrender of Germany and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles left the German population with a great many grievances, desires and fears. Despite this, it was not until the Great Depression of 1929 that these feelings manifested and the people of Germany looked for an answer to their mounting problems. From this depression arose two parties who rivalled the Weimar Republic - the Nazis and the Communists. It was however, the Nazis that succeeded. Their ability to play upon the needs and uncertainties of the German population, secured the success of their regime in the years 1929 to 1936. "

Tags:1929, 1936, anti, communists, depression, desires, fears, germany, hitler, ii, manipulate, nazi, people, population, propaganda, regime, republic, treaty, two, versailles, war, weimar, world, ww2, wwii

Abstract
This paper examines how Alexander III (or 'the Great') conquered the land starting from Greece in the west to India in the east to create the largest empire the world had seen until that time. This was achieved in just thirteen years between his ascension to the Macedonian throne at age twenty to his death at Babylon on 10 June 323 BCE. One of the issues surrounding Alexander's reign that has long been discussed by historians is whether he planned his conquest of Asia or if he made it up as he went along. This paper evaluates and discusses both possibilities by taking a somewhat chronological approach to Alexander's life.

From the Paper
"Alexander was the son of King Philip II of Macedon and Princess Olympias of Epirus. Both his parents had strong personalities and influenced their son in different ways. Olympias had a fiery temperament and did not tolerate Philip having other wives and lovers. As Alexander was close to his mother, this bred further discontent between himself and Philip, who had a difficult relationship right up until Philip was murdered. Most importantly however, Philip was someone Alexander could emulate and because of his "passionate desire for fame," Alexander would attempt to surpass his father wherever possible. Philip II reinvigorated a formerly weak kingdom in Macedon to create the most powerful state in Northern Greece . From his childhood, Alexander had a legacy to continue and he was eager to prove himself in any way. Even Philip himself noted his son's great aspirations and perhaps put ideas in Alexander head; "My boy, you must find a kingdom big enough for your ambitions. "

Tags:Macedon, empire

Abstract
This paper pertains to Speer's career, showing him as one of the most influential members of the Nazi party. It examines his rise to prominence with in the Nazi party and how he managed to achieve the aims he set his mind to. Subsequently this paper confronts, and covers Speer's effect on German armament, munitions and the total war effort.

From the Paper
"The nature of Speer's career altered through the changing nature of the German government and war effort. Speer rose from an unimportant architect through his competency to his more prominent work on Germania, while his efficiency in the completion of the new Reichstag building propelled Speer to logistical war work. Culminating from Speer's achievements in resettlement and war construction Speer was promoted to Armaments minister and then central controller of Germany's raw materials. Speer displayed remarkable competency within his work, and through his intelligence he became one of the most influential members of the Nazi party."

Tags:germany, gleischaltung, munitions, nazi, todt, volksgemeinschaft

Abstract
This paper examines how, as the most important power for over 1000 years, the Romans brought stability, prosperity and order to the civilized West. In addition it shows how Julius Caesar, in particular, stimulated the transition of the Roman Republic. It analyzes how Caesar's measures on taxation and citizenship and many of his policies were set out protect the ordinary people against the self-interested nobles and how his government, with minor changes, continued for centuries.

From the Paper
"The Roman Republic had been led to un-thought of prosperity by the Senate and Assembly and was believed in by many senators, however corrupt. But managing and controlling the Empire was getting tougher for this small group of men as other groups wanted a larger share of the success; yet those who had tried had failed. As the desire within the nobles to protect their investments was increasing, and with too much traditionalism, complete breakdown of law and order was predicted; and so the stage was therefore set for a Roman of ambition; aggression and energy who could, through pure strength and personality, seize control (see Appendix One for the Timeline of the End of the Republic). Caesar was to be that Roman."

Tags:roman, republic, taxation, citizenship, government

Abstract
This paper addresses the argument of whether Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus was a success or a failure as an emperor. It analyses his unfortunate childhood as well as his reign and attempts to explain the reasoning behind his actions as emperor. It concludes that he was in fact an intelligent and successful Roman Emperor.

From the Paper
"The idea that the power of Rome lies in her Army, has been proven time and time again by figures such as Marius and Sulla. Claudius likewise was no stranger to this fact and, as a result, many of his first actions as Emperor were to secure the loyalty of the army and to establish some much needed military-credentials. Hennessy (1990) explains that following Claudius' rise to power with the support of the Praetorian Guard, he promised each guard 150 gold pieces with the intention of buying their allegiance and hence his protection. Claudius then went to plan and execute a campaign to, as Fagan (2004) argued, secure both military distinction and the respect of the Army. This, of course, came in the form of the famous invasion and annexation of Britain. To keep this strong military image throughout his reign, he added to the Roman Empire: Mauritania, Thrace and Lycia (BBC 2004). By the end of his reign, Claudius had been hailed Imperator twenty-seven times and had won a triumph (Fagan, 2004)."

Tags:ancient, britain, caligula, drusus, germanicus, invasion, nero

Abstract
The paper shows how Mikhail Gorbachev attempted to broker peace with the U.S. and it discusses his desire to see if not the complete destruction of nuclear weapons then at least a reduction in them, and a closer relationship with the U.S. that enabled a closer working partnership. Of importance, according to the author, are Gorbachev's summits held with Reagan in Reykjavik, Iceland, Moscow and in Washington D.C. The author discusses Gorbachev's incredible popularity in the west. The paper also briefly touches on the theory that a hard line U.S. policy toward the Soviet Union was the factor in bringing about a change in the Soviet's attitude.

From the Paper
"This theory that the U.S. forced the Soviets into reforms is a plausible, and convincing argument. However, it does not answer why that this policy had never worked before. Certainly after WW11 the Soviet Union was in a much weaker position to the U.S. both economically and militarily. The Truman administration took a hard line against the Soviets, yet they had not wavered, even though the U.S. at that time was the only nation with nuclear weapons. This theory also fails to take into account the role played by Gorbachev, nor give him the credit he deserves."

Tags:foreign, policy, relations, Brzezenski, Afghanistan, Starwars, SDI, Russia