Stuck Under The Wheels Of Time
There are some historical figures out there whose reputations are so tarnished today that it’s hard to imagine there was ever a time when they were respected. These once-beloved people made history—but today, they’re only regarded with suspicion.
King George III
George III’s legacy is a rollercoaster. At one time very popular with his people, he fell victim to a classic maxim: “History is written by the victors". As such, George III, the King who lost America, has often been portrayed as bumbling, fumbling, cartoonish, and ego-driven.
However, his story is much more complicated. Prone to madness, likely thanks to genetics, his condition was further exacerbated by the deaths of his three youngest children.
Allan Ramsay, Wikimedia Commons
Henry Stanley
During his lifetime, Stanley was revered as a fearless explorer of Central Africa who spent years trying to rescue the famed missionary and explorer David Livingstone. However, his own accounts in his journals are explicit in their descriptions of his brutality toward the African people. It’s no surprise then, who he worked for…
Wellcome Images, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
King Leopold II Of The Belgians
In the era of European colonization, Leopold’s tireless drive to claim African land and expand his empire led him to receive the nickname of "Builder King". However, his shady land grabs and the atrocities—not to mention the sheer body count—of his colonial project have since led historians to characterize him as one of the worst despots in the history of the world.
Alexander Bassano, Wikimedia Commons
Winston Churchill
Churchill is best remembered for seeing England through WWII—but, like many world leaders, he had a dark side. His efforts during WWII initially cast a shadow over his more questionable history, like his actions—or lack thereof—during the Bengal famine.
BiblioArchives, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon is now something of a historical running joke, but at one time, his incredible successes as a military leader spoke for themselves. Much of the shift in attitude regarding Napoleon can be attributed to tireless efforts to humiliate him by his enemies, and the propaganda they spread has often been retold as truth.
Jacques-Louis David, Wikimedia Commons
Coco Chanel
Still one of the most popular and influential fashion brands today, many of those walking around with a Chanel bag on their arm may not know the designer’s dark history. During WWII, Chanel collaborated with the Third Reich.
Christopher Columbus
Columbus’ historical exploits are so famous they don’t really need a retelling—but there are two sides to any story, and his treatment of Indigenous people in the US has certainly tarnished his reputation forever—to say nothing of the fact that it set up a deadly precedent that continued for centuries afterward.
Sebastiano del Piombo, Wikimedia Commons
Woodrow Wilson
The 28th President of the United States of America has been celebrated for his role in establishing the League of Nations, but a bird's-eye view of any of his other policies might leave one pulling at the collar in discomfort. In his time, he did everything in his power to set back the Civil Rights movement and pushed for policies of segregation.
Harris & Ewing, Wikimedia Commons
Thomas Edison
Many of us grew up thinking of Thomas Edison as the sole inventor of the lightbulb—but that’s not the whole story. It turns out that in the race to establish various forms of technology during his career, Edison was a pretty cutthroat guy, and may have stolen ideas from other inventors like Nikola Tesla.
Louis Bachrach, Wikimedia Commons
Che Guevara
For a time in the 90s and early 2000s, you couldn’t walk by a T-shirt store in any major city without seeing dozens of shirts emblazoned with the face of the Cuban revolutionary. However, further examinations of his record have led people to question whether he was the ultimate rebel, or simply a blood- and power-thirsty radical.
Alberto Korda, Wikimedia Commons
Mahatma Gandhi
During his lifetime, Gandhi became a symbol for nonviolent resistance. However, in recent years, India, in its drive toward progress, has rejected his economic beliefs. Additionally, tales of racially-motivated prejudice and untoward behavior with women have come out over the years, leaving a stain on his reputation.
Elliott & Fry, Wikimedia Commons
Richard The Lionheart
Doesn’t the nickname say it all? As King of England, Richard was legendary for his role in the Crusades. But as it turns out, all that time he spent in the Crusades and in battle were moments he wasn’t actually doing his job as king. He only spent six months of his 10-year reign in England—is that the 12th century equivalent of a politician spending all his time golfing?
Merry-Joseph Blondel, Wikimedia Commons
Julius Caesar
It’s a classic historical paradox. Only the most fearless, wise, and cunning leaders can create a global superpower—but by doing so, they’re also setting it up to fail. Such is the case with Julius Caesar. Often lauded for his role in establishing Rome as an empire, his policies and actions also had devastating consequences for Rome after his death.
Vincenzo Camuccini, Wikimedia Commons
Mother Teresa
Many of us will remember Mother Teresa’s shining reputation when she was alive, and the outpouring of grief when she passed away. However, in the years since, people have questioned her legacy—and the reason why is chilling.
There are accusations of abuse and neglect against those working for her Missionaries of Charity organization. Though they aren’t directly leveled against her, they are nonetheless targeted at those who represent her.
Kingkongphoto, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Steve Jobs
Once hailed as a hero in the world of tech, Jobs’ refusal to pursue medical treatment for his cancer in favor of alternative treatments has since led many to question how the man behind so many incredible technological advancements could ignore the science that could’ve prevented his death.
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