The History of Time Person of the Year: A Look Back at Previous Winners
Introduction
Every year since 1927, the renowned American magazine Time has selected a person, group, or concept that has had the greatest impact on the world in the past 12 months. The Time Person of the Year is widely considered one of the most prestigious annual honours and has been awarded to both celebrities and leaders alike. Let’s take a look back at some of the past winners of this illustrious title.
1927 – Charles Lindbergh
The first-ever Time Person of the Year was US pilot Charles Lindbergh, who made the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. His achievement captured the imagination of the world and demonstrated the potential of air travel.
1938 – Adolf Hitler
In 1938, Time controversially chose Adolf Hitler as its Person of the Year due to his international influence and disruption of the political order. The magazine later regretted this decision, stating that this decision “haunted” them.
1947 – George Marshall
US General George Marshall was selected for his role in rebuilding Europe after World War II. The Marshall Plan was designed to aid in the recovery of devastated European economies and combat the spread of communism.
1968 – Apollo 8 Astronauts
In 1968, Time named the Apollo 8 astronauts, who were the first humans to orbit the moon, as its Person of the Year. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the US space programme and sparked the public’s imagination.
1982 – The Computer
As the computer rose in prominence and importance in everyday life, Time named it their Person of the Year in 1982. The award was meant to acknowledge the computer’s impact on society and its potential role in shaping the future.
2001 – Rudolph Giuliani
In a year marked by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Time chose then-mayor of New York City Rudolph Giuliani as its Person of the Year. Giuliani gained national attention for his leadership and decisive actions during the crisis, and the award recognised his bravery and commitment.
Conclusion
Over the years, Time has honoured a wide variety of individuals and concepts as their Person of the Year. These honours serve as a reminder of the important figures and events that have shaped our world and impacted millions of lives. Looking back, it’s easy to see just how much can change in a year, and how every individual can make a difference.
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