The History of Times Person of the Year: A Look back at the Most Influential Figures
Since 1927, Time magazine has annually selected a Person of the Year (formerly Man of the Year) in recognition of the individual or group who has had the most significant influence on the world in the previous year. While the selection is not necessarily a positive endorsement of the individual, it does reflect the impact they have had on global affairs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most influential figures in the history of the Time Person of the Year.
1927 – Charles Lindbergh
The first-ever Time Person of the Year was aviator Charles Lindbergh, whose solo transatlantic flight from New York to Paris in May of that year captured the world’s attention. Lindbergh was seen as a symbol of hope and progress during a time of great economic uncertainty and political turmoil, making him the obvious choice for the inaugural award.
1938 – Adolf Hitler
One of the most controversial picks for the Time Person of the Year was Adolf Hitler in 1938. While the choice was based on his influence on world events, including the annexation of Austria and the persecution of Jews, it ultimately proved to be a misstep in hindsight. As Time Editor-in-Chief Edward F. R. Murrow later said, “It couldn’t happen now, but it did then.”
1950 – The American Fighting-Man
In the aftermath of World War II, Time chose to honor the American soldier as the Person of the Year in 1950. The selection was seen as a tribute to the sacrifices made by servicemen and women in defense of liberty and democracy.
1966 – The Inheritor
The Inheritor, a reference to the baby boom generation, was named the Person of the Year in 1966. The choice reflected the growing influence of youth culture and the changing political and social landscape of America.
1999 – Jeff Bezos
The rise of the internet and e-commerce led to the selection of Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com, as the Person of the Year in 1999. The choice reflected the growing impact of the digital revolution on traditional business models and consumer behavior.
2017 – The Silence Breakers
The #MeToo movement gained international attention in 2017, leading to the selection of the Silence Breakers as the Person of the Year. The movement, started by women who spoke out against sexual harassment and assault, highlighted the pervasive nature of misconduct in numerous industries and sparked a cultural reckoning.
In conclusion, the Time Person of the Year has been a fixture of American culture for over 90 years. While the picks have been controversial at times, they serve as a barometer of the individuals and groups who have had the greatest impact on the world in a given year. Whether they’re changing the course of history or simply reflecting the zeitgeist, these influential figures will continue to make headlines for years to come.
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