10 Leaders Who United the United Nations and 10 Who Divided It

After the American Revolution, the United States remained politically fragile and deeply uncertain about its future. Washington helped build confidence in the new government by voluntarily stepping down from power after two presidential terms, which reinforced the idea that the country would not become a new monarchy. His consistent leadership during the nation’s early years helped the various states come to see themselves as part of a single republic.

During the Civil War, the United States came close to total collapse, as the Southern states seceded from the Union and violent conflict spread throughout the country. Lincoln’s leadership helped preserve the integrity of the federal government while advancing the abolition of slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation. 

Before Bismarck came to power, the German-speaking states remained politically divided and often competed with one another. Through diplomacy, strategic alliances, and several skillfully waged wars, he succeeded in unifying Germany under Prussian leadership in 1871. His political skill made it possible to transform dozens of separate territories into a single German Empire.

South Africa faced enormous racial tensions and great instability when apartheid ended in the early 1990s. Once he became president, Mandela advocated for reconciliation rather than revenge, even though he had spent 27 years in prison under the apartheid regime. 

After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire following World War I, Turkey faced foreign occupation, political unrest, and a precarious economic situation. Atatürk led the Turkish War of Independence and subsequently founded the modern Republic of Turkey by implementing sweeping legal and educational reforms. 

England experienced significant religious conflicts in the decades leading up to Elizabeth’s accession to the throne. By refraining from implementing some of the harshest measures taken by her predecessors, she established a more stable balance between Catholics and Protestants within the country. 

In the early Middle Ages, much of Western Europe remained politically fragmented following the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Charlemagne unified vast portions of present-day France and Germany, as well as neighboring regions, under a single authority during the 8th and 9th centuries. His empire fostered trade, education, and administrative reforms across much of Europe.

When Singapore gained independence in 1965, many observers doubted that this small country could survive economically or politically. Lee Kuan Yew made it a priority to fight corruption, improve infrastructure, and forge a shared national identity among Singapore’s diverse ethnic communities.

Cyrus founded the Persian Empire in the 6th century B.C. by uniting various Persian tribes and conquering neighboring territories. Unlike many conquerors of the ancient world, he allowed the different cultures and religions within his empire to retain many of their traditions. 

In the early 19th century, South American independence movements were often plagued by regional rivalries and political fragmentation. San Martín played a major role in helping Argentina, Chile, and Peru gain independence from Spanish rule. His military leadership helped strengthen cooperation among the various liberation movements in the region.

In the 1st century A.D., ancient Rome experienced growing political instability during the reign of Nero. His reign eventually became associated with heavy taxation, political executions, and public distrust, after several controversial decisions had shaken confidence in imperial authority.

The reign of John Lackland in the early 13th century sparked serious conflicts between the English monarchy and the powerful nobles. Oppressive taxation, military setbacks in France, and disputes over royal authority prompted the rebellious barons to force him to accept the Magna Carta in 1215. His reign left England politically divided and deeply unstable.

During the reign of Nicholas II, Russia faced growing unrest due to economic inequality, military defeats, and discontent with the monarchy. His mismanagement of World War I and his refusal to undertake significant political reforms further eroded public support. 

Commodus inherited a stable Roman Empire from his father, Marcus Aurelius, but his reign marked the beginning of a significant decline in imperial authority. He was known for his unpredictable decisions, his political favoritism, and his public behavior, which undermined the respect due to the imperial office. 

During the French Revolution, Robespierre rose to power by promising to defend revolutionary ideals and eliminate the threats to the Republic. Under his influence, the Reign of Terror led to thousands of executions by guillotine, including many of his former allies. 

In the 16th century, Ivan IV strengthened central authority in Russia, but ruled with extreme violence and paranoia. His campaigns against his perceived enemies led to massacres, the destruction of cities, and sowed terror among both nobles and civilians. 

At the end of the 14th century, during the reign of Richard II, England experienced growing tensions between the monarchy and the nobility. His conflicts with powerful nobles, combined with unpopular political decisions, gradually eroded support for the crown. 

After the death of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, his son Qin Er Shi inherited an empire already strained by grueling labor demands and a rigorous legislative agenda. Poor leadership and an overreliance on corrupt advisors fueled rebellions throughout China. 

In the 17th century, Charles I repeatedly clashed with Parliament over issues of taxation, religion, and royal authority. His refusal to make concessions directly contributed to the English Civil War, which pitted Royalist forces against Parliamentarian forces.

Ibrahim ruled the Ottoman Empire in the mid-17th century and was known for the instability that prevailed at the royal court and for his inconsistent political decisions. Corruption within the government increased significantly during his reign, while military and financial problems worsened throughout the empire.