Why Adolph Hitler Was Named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year in 1938

The Controversial Selection of Time Magazine’s Person of the Year in 1938

In 1938, Time Magazine named German dictator Adolph Hitler as their prestigious Person of the Year. This decision sparked controversy, as Hitler’s regime was already committing heinous crimes against humanity and leading Europe to the brink of war. The selection of Hitler as Person of the Year has remained a topic of debate ever since. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Time Magazine’s decision, as well as the backlash it received from the public.

The Context of 1938

To understand why Hitler was named Person of the Year in 1938, we need to look at the political climate of the time. Germany, under Hitler’s leadership, was undergoing rapid political and economic transformation. Hitler had rebuilt the country’s infrastructure, instituted social programs, and restored a sense of national pride. As a result, many saw him as a strong leader capable of restoring Germany’s global status.

On the other hand, Hitler’s regime was also engaging in anti-Semitic policies, systematically eroding the rights of Jews and other minorities in Germany. Additionally, Hitler’s aggressive foreign policies threatened to destabilize Europe and lead to another world war.

Why Hitler Was Chosen

Despite these warning signs, Time Magazine’s editors chose to recognize Hitler as Person of the Year for his impact on world events. In their official announcement, they acknowledged that Hitler had “mobilized and dominated the German nation” and “unleashed a war of aggression” against his neighbors. However, they also noted that Hitler was “a master of propaganda and public relations” who was “responsible for Europe’s drifting toward war” and “stood out this year as the leading figure in a cause to which over 800,000,000 men have been conscripted.”

By recognizing Hitler as Person of the Year, Time Magazine was acknowledging his impact on the world stage and the important role he played in shaping global events. It was not an endorsement of his policies or actions.

The Backlash

Despite this explanation, Time Magazine’s selection of Hitler as Person of the Year was met with significant backlash. Many believed that the magazine was lending credibility to a leader who had already committed terrible atrocities against his own citizens and was threatening to plunge Europe into war.

In the years that followed, Time Magazine would continue to name controversial figures as Person of the Year, including Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and Iranian Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. While these selections were criticized at the time, they serve as a reminder of the magazine’s commitment to recognizing the impact of individuals, regardless of their political beliefs or actions.

Conclusion

Time Magazine’s decision to name Adolph Hitler as Person of the Year in 1938 remains a controversial topic to this day. While many may disagree with the decision, it is important to remember that the magazine was recognizing Hitler’s impact on global events, not endorsing his policies or actions. As journalists and writers, it is crucial to understand the historical context behind such decisions and explore them with nuance and sensitivity.