The Titans of the Twentieth Century: How They Made History and the History They Made

by Michael Mandelbaum

An engaging and original historical portrait of eight of the most influential political figures of the twentieth century: Woodrow Wilson, Lenin, Hitler, Churchill, FDR, Gandhi, David Ben-Gurion, and Mao.

The Titans of the Twentieth Century addresses an age-old question: what is the impact of individuals on history? The first half of the twentieth century offered political leaders enormous scope for changing the world. This book consists of essays about eight who, for better and for worse, did just that.

Woodrow Wilson had a vision for a cooperative world order that failed after the First World War but gained in influence after the Second.

Vladimir Ilich Lenin founded the totalitarian communist political system that controlled a large part of the planet for much of the twentieth century.

Adolf Hitler started history's worst war and presided over history's worst atrocity, the Holocaust.

Winston Churchill provided inspiring leadership to Great Britain, which made it possible to defeat Nazi Germany in World War II.

Franklin D. Roosevelt steered the United States through the Great Depression and the Second World War.

Mohandas Gandhi led the movement, and developed the philosophy of non-violence, that ended British rule in South Asia, paving the way for the end of empires throughout Asia and Africa.

David Ben-Gurion led the miraculous restoration of Jewish sovereignty in the Holy Land.

Mao Zedong, imposed totalitarian communist rule on China and became history's most egregious mass murderer.

Individually, each chapter offers fresh and often surprising portraits of the twentieth century's titans. Collectively, the essays present a vivid and revealing portrait of a turbulent half-century that shaped the world of today.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Politics, Audiobook

352 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Pat Baird · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure how the world survived the 20th century.

Whether it be the lunacy of Nazi Germany and their unbridled affection for Adolf Hitler, the false ideology of Vladimir Lenin, the historical stain of the Holocaust, the terrifying reality of the Joseph Stalin’s communist Russia, the mass murders of Mao Zedong, or the general immense division among nations… It was truly a dark era.

And yet in that era, heroes emerge. Men like Winston, Churchill and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

This volume tells the story of the eight most influential figures in the 20th century. Each chapter goes through their life, time, legacy, and leadership.

The chapters on Lenin, Hitler, Stalin, and Zedong were horrifying portraits of the realities of heinous leadership. The atrocities these men did at the expense of image bearers of God is appalling and will give you nightmares until you are dead in the grave.

At the same time; the impeccable courage of Winston Churchill will make the courage of Superman look like child’s play.

Upon reading this volume I feel I have properly brushed up on my knowledge of the events of the 20th century. I would recommend any and all to read it who find it compelling.

I think I’ll be thinking much of World War II in the coming months and the implication it has for us even in our current geopolitical landscape.

This was another seminary read. Overall, I’m really glad I read it.

[Caleb Gerber. (Right makes Might) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Titans of the Twentieth Century by Michael Mandelbaum
How They Made History and the History They Made
An overview of eight titans of the first half of the twentieth century, this book explores the lives, accomplishments, legacies, and leadership of Winston Churchill, Vladimir Lenin, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi, Mao Zedong, David Ben-Gurion, and Adolf Hitler. It portrays lessons from the leadership and deeds of each of these “great” men, examining their styles, personalities, and how they rose to power. After providing a short, somewhat superficial biography of each figure, Mandelbaum analyzes the cultural settings of their lifetimes, explaining how the three great events of the first half of the twentieth century (WWI, the Great Depression, and WWII) influenced these men—for good or, far more often, for evil.
Woodrow Wilson (4 stars)
The overview of Woodrow Wilson's life and legacy feels somewhat out of place compared to the other seven leaders. Many people have little idea who Wilson was or what he did. However, Mandelbaum convincingly argues that Wilson does belong on this list. During his first term as President of the United States, Wilson did little to make a global impact. His zenith came at the conclusion of WWI, when he became the driving force behind the formation of the League of Nations. Although he failed in this effort, his ideas did not die out—they eventually blossomed into the creation of the United Nations after WWII. Wilson is often regarded as the father of “globalism,” and his utopian ideals significantly influenced the era of progressivism that persists today. Mandelbaum presents Wilson as a flawed but idealistic man—a devout Christian who saw it as his duty to make the world a better, more peaceful place. Wilson was a leader with both virtues and faults, whose noble yet impractical vision ultimately led to his political defeat.
Vladimir Lenin (4 stars)
The overview of Lenin’s life offers an intriguing look at the founder of the Bolshevik Party and the instigator of the Russian Revolution. His vindictive personality drove brutal crackdowns, including the assassination of the entire royal family in 1918 and the deaths of millions through his communist policies. Mandelbaum effectively conveys Lenin's ruthlessness and how, through sheer willpower, he persuaded the Bolsheviks to forsake all others and follow him. The book demonstrates how, without the chaos of WWI, Lenin’s rise to power would have been impossible. Mandelbaum highlights Lenin's unwavering commitment to the policies of Marx and Engels and his transformation of socialism into the Soviet-style government. The chapter provides a clear picture of what drove Lenin and how he achieved his goals.
Adolf Hitler (5 stars)
An intriguing analysis of one of the most significant and unquestionably evil figures in history. Mandelbaum explains how Hitler exploited the unpopular Treaty of Versailles and the prevailing nationalist sentiment to rise to power. Although initially democratic in his approach, Hitler swiftly cracked down on anyone he viewed as a threat to his vision of the Third Reich or his own position. The book details Hitler’s antisemitism, which culminated in the Holocaust and the murder of six million Jews. Mandelbaum also explores Hitler’s hatred of his opponents and those he blamed for Germany’s post-WWI struggles. The chapter delves into Hitler’s obsession with expanding the Third Reich and how his strategic mistakes—including declaring war on the United States and launching Operation Barbarossa against his ally, the Soviet Union—ultimately led to his downfall. The chapter is powerful and haunting.
Winston S. Churchill (5 stars)
Born into wealth and privilege, Churchill’s childhood was marked by parental neglect, contributing to his lifelong battles with depression. Nevertheless, he rose to prominence during the Boer War as both a journalist and a soldier. After being captured by the Dutch in South Africa, he made a daring escape, which he later chronicled in his writings. Churchill’s experiences in South Africa, Cuba, and India, combined with the name recognition of his father, helped him secure a seat in Parliament. Initially a member of the Conservative Party, Churchill switched to the Liberals, becoming First Lord of the Admiralty at the outbreak of WWI. After being dismissed by the Liberal government, he returned to the Conservatives and became an outspoken critic of Hitler, fascism, and the Soviet Union. Despite being labeled a "warmonger" for his warnings, history vindicated him. When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, the appeasement policies of Neville Chamberlain’s government collapsed, and Churchill became Prime Minister. He led Britain during its darkest hours, rallying the nation with his rhetoric and resolve. Although Churchill failed to preserve the British Empire, which granted independence to India, Ireland, and other colonies during his lifetime, his foresight regarding the threats of fascism and communism cemented his place in history. Mandelbaum’s depiction of Churchill is by far the strongest of the eight biographies, vividly illustrating how his leadership helped save Britain—and the world.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (4 stars)
The longest-serving president in U.S. history, Roosevelt assumed office at the onset of the Great Depression. His big-government policies, attempts to reshape the Supreme Court, and push for free healthcare were controversial, yet he persisted. Roosevelt had a rare ability to earn public trust—even when he himself was not entirely trustworthy. Overcoming polio, he became a symbol of hope for millions during the Depression and one of the most popular presidents in American history. Despite initially underestimating the threat of the Third Reich, Roosevelt acted decisively once war broke out. He led the U.S. through the crisis, managing relations with Great Britain and the Soviet Union and laying the groundwork for the postwar world. Like Wilson, Roosevelt did not live to see his goals fully realized. However, unlike Wilson, his economic programs succeeded, and he was celebrated in his time as a great leader—both in peace and war. Mandelbaum discusses Roosevelt’s controversial policies but also highlights his ability to promote bipartisanship in some areas and provide decisive leadership when it was most needed.
Mahatma Gandhi (2 stars)
By far the least compelling of the biographies, this chapter explores the life, legacy, and influence of the Indian civil rights and independence advocate. Raised in a middle-class family, Gandhi moved to South Africa, where he became involved in the civil rights movement. It was there that he developed his philosophy—a blend of Hinduism and Christianity, although he ultimately rejected the latter due to what he perceived as racism. Returning to India, Gandhi became a near-godlike figure, earning the honorific title “Mahatma.” He advocated for nonviolent resistance, mobilizing the nation and leading the struggle for Indian independence, which was achieved in 1947. Mandelbaum examines Gandhi’s almost hypnotic influence over Indian culture and his vision for a pluralistic, inclusive society—an ideal that was not fully realized. Though well-written, Gandhi's methods and philosophy simply did not resonate with me.
David Ben-Gurion (5 stars)
The first Prime Minister of Israel, Ben-Gurion was a founder of Zionism. He was heavily influenced by Theodor Herzl's book The Jewish State and by the Marxist-socialist ideology of Lenin. When these two philosophies clashed, Ben-Gurion always chose Zionism. Mandelbaum details Ben-Gurion’s relationships with other prominent Zionists, including Chaim Weizmann, Jabotinsky, and Menachem Begin. Though small in stature and not a gifted orator, Ben-Gurion effectively used the written word to promote Zionism, publishing pamphlets and lobbying for support from American and British businessmen. After the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which promised a Jewish homeland, British backtracking under Arab pressure nearly crushed the Zionist dream. However, Ben-Gurion foresaw the coming threats and stockpiled weapons. When the United Nations passed the 1947 resolution partitioning Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, Ben-Gurion declared Israeli independence on May 14, 1948. Immediately, several Arab nations attacked, but Israel, under Ben-Gurion’s leadership, survived. He later served as Defense Minister during the Suez Crisis (1956-57). Mandelbaum offers a fascinating look into the life of this often-overlooked figure—a man who fulfilled a three-thousand-year-old promise.
Mao Zedong (5 stars)
Whew, this turned into a longer review than I expected, so I’ll try to keep this short. Chairman Mao, it may be argued, was the most destructive leader in history. Becoming the head of the Communist Party as early as 1928, Mao Zedong—or Chairman Mao, as he would come to be known—led his ragtag communist forces on a thousand-mile journey fleeing from the nationalists between 1929 and 1934. Out of the 86,000 who started out, only about 5,000 survived. Zedong was undeterred, continuing to fight a guerrilla war against the forces of nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek until the beginning of WWII, when he and Chiang made a truce to fight the Japanese. However, Zedong largely allowed the nationalists to bear the brunt of the fighting, leaving them severely weakened. By the end of the war, this gave Zedong the opportunity to defeat Chiang and his forces, forcing the general into exile on the island of Taiwan.
Then, Chairman Mao established one of the most destructive regimes in world history. His purges of those he saw as disloyal to communism led to the deaths of approximately 14 million people. The famine brought about by his so-called Great Leap Forward—where he insisted that China increase its grain exports by 200%—resulted in the deaths of 40 to 60 million Chinese through starvation. His crackdown on religious freedom, execution of political opponents, and purge of all Western influence ushered in an era of tyranny and mass death. Once again, in focusing on Hitler and Stalin, we often overlook a man who singlehandedly caused the deaths of upwards of 70 million people. This monstrous villain of epic proportions should go down in the annals of history as possessed by the devil, and if more people read this book, he sure as heck will.
While some chapters are more captivating than others—Churchill, Hitler, and Ben-Gurion standing out—the entire book offers valuable insights into the leadership, flaws, and legacies of these historical giants.
Overall, I found this book absolutely fascinating. The brief biographies of each of these men led me to research them further, and I believe it will do the same for anyone else who reads it. For a history buff like me, the book was too short and sometimes felt a bit superficial, but the leadership lessons Mandelbaum draws from the lives of these eight men are timeless. For history buffs, this is a book to read in one sitting. We should learn from the mistakes of people in the past to avoid repeating them. If you are not a history buff but are interested in learning something about each of these figures, then this is a perfect match.
The book was well-written, and although it contains few references to faith, it reinforces, as Alexander Solzhenitsyn said, that men forgetting God is the cause of all of society’s problems. This book is also an opportunity to learn from leaders who did the right thing and to draw inspiration from them—not to deify them, but to acknowledge that these were men who, despite their fallen human nature, achieved greatness through the strength of their character and the courage of their convictions.

[Socraticgadfly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I knew this book wouldn’t be that much, when I saw it at my local library. Even if they were accurate, 35-page mini-biographies can’t be in-depth.

But, they’re not accurate, by and large! And, I missed on the back dust cover flap that Mandelbaum coauthored a book with Teapot Tommy Friedman.

But, although a few of the mini-bios rise above 1 star, most don’t and one doesn’t come close, so 1 star overall.

OK, so, the individual mini-bios?

Wilson: 1 star. Misses just how bad his racism was. Misses that he was a fake neutral, and everything associated with that in an inaccurate appraisal of World War I in Europe pre-American entry.

Lenin: 1 star. First, when Richard Pipes is your main biography source on Lenin and the USSR, and the likes of Orlando Figes aren’t even mentioned? One star right there, if even that much. Minor point: I’ve never before seen Ulyanov in Lenin’s birth surname transliterated with an “I” instead of “y.”

Hitler: 3 stars. Nothing special until getting Palestine and Zionism wrong.

Churchill: 2 stars. Ignores his refusal to face reality on Edward VIII until the end. Overstates his anti-appeasement in the early years of his return to power.

FDR: 4 stars.

Gandhi: 3 stars. Mandelbaum greatly understates the degree to which Gandhi was at times an actual block on Indian independence and how, at the actual time of freedom, he was basically ignored. Arthur Herman argues that India (within the Commonwealth as a Dominion) could have been independent before WWII, if not for Gandhi and Churchill. Chapter also ignores whether "harijan" etc. weren't patronizing.

Ben-Gurion: 1 star. “Nakba” not mentioned. King David Hotel not mentioned. Ignores 1935 Orde Wingate, the British suppression of the 1936 Palestinian uprising and more. Read Ilan Pappe. Ignores deliberate attack on USS Liberty. Ignores Dimona and nuclear weapons. Lies about Arafat. Ignores that “peace process” discussions refused to address the right of return. Could be 0 stars.

Mao: 3 stars. Nothing special, but nothing specially wrong.

[Andy Darnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic

Such a great read for a good overview of many cultures and clashes around our world. Really helpful to get an overview of history.