The Military Leaders That Shaped History

Throughout history, the actions of great military leaders have decided the fate of nations in ways that are still apparent today. Whether regarded as heroes or villains, these characters shaped the outcomes of critical battles, redefined warfare, and influenced global politics. From strategic masterminds to fearless fighters here are 20 of the most influential military leaders throughout history.

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1. Alexander the Great

What's so great about Alexander the Great? Well, he led a series of campaigns using a completely revoltionary style of warfare which was hugely successful. By the time of his death he had expanded his vast empire from Greece to India.

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2. Charlemagne

Charlemagne was the king of Franks in the 8th century. He was responsible for uniting Europe into one empire, facilitating the enlightenment values that the Western world continues to live by today.

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3. Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan was a Mongolian Noble responsible for unifying the Mongolian steppe, creating a massive empire. His military might was so great that he was never defeated in battle.

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4. Napoleon Bonaparte

While Napoleon Bonaparte's legacy is indeed mixed, he was certainly influential in terms of military prowess. He was a creative strategist who won major battles for France against the alliance of Russia, Austria, Sweden, and Prussia.

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5. Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar is widely considered one of the greatest strategic geniuses ever. He expanded Rome's empire all the way to the English Channel, nearly doubling its size. 

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6. Hannibal Barca

Hannibal was a master of confusion, frequently attacking when his opponents least expected, using fog and darkness as cover. He won 22 battles in his military career and was able to ally with and conquer many cities.

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7. Scipio Africanus

Scipio Africanus was a Roman general, famous for being one of the main strategists behind Rome's victory against Carthage which opened the path for Rome's imperial domination. He's famous for defeating the fearsome Hannibal at the Battle of Zama.

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8. Robert E. Lee

He may have been fighting for the wrong side, but that doesn't make him less of an icon. During the American Civil War, his military brilliance gave the vastly outnumbered and overpowered confederate forces a fighting chance. 

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9. Themistocles

Themistocles was an Athenian general who fought at the battle of Marathon. He's acknowledged as the main savior of Greece against the threat of the Persians.

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10. Leonidas

The Spartans had a reputation for their military superiority. Leonidas, their king, was no exception. He famously led a small army of 300 Spartans against the tremendous forces of Persian king Xerxes, spectacularly holding them off for days.

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11. Frederick the Great

You don't get the nickname "the great" for nothing. Frederick was responsible for expanding Prussia's territory, making it one of the greatest European powers. He's recognized for modernizing the army and reforming Prussian society.

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12. Saladin

The Sultan of Egypt in the 12th century, Saladin led the Muslim military efforts against Christian Crusaders. He captured Jerusalem and re-established Muslim dominance in the region.

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13. Attila the Hun

Attila, the king of the Huns in the 5th century was known for his brilliance as a commander and negotiator. His military was considered unstoppable as he tore through Germanic tribes and even som African ones with his unorthodox military methods designed to baffle his opponents.

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14. Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc, now hailed as a saint, was an aggressive military leader who fought in the Hundred Years' War. She's famous for defeating the English in an attempt to conquer France. She and many others believed she was fighting for her country under divine guidance.

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15. George Washington

Who knows what would've come of the US if not for George Washington's Military genius. Utilizing clever guerilla warfare tactics, the American rebels reigned victorious over the much more established and numerous British forces. 

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16. Menelik II

Emperor of Ethiopia, Menelik II is famous for repelling the Italian army from Ethiopia and forcing them to sign a peace treaty, making him the first African ruler to beat a colonial invasion. He also expanded Ethiopia's borders nearly to where they are today.

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17. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Before he was president, Eisenhower was a celebrated war hero in World War II. He led the allied invasion of North Africa and later played a decisive role in D-Day, America's major action in the war. As president, he put an end to the Korean war and negotiated for peace during the Cold War.

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18. Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant was commanding general of the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was known for having high morals and for being exceptionally humane towards his opponents. He's famous for defeating confederate commander Robert E. Lee, ending the war and re-unifying the USA.

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19. Philip II

Philip II was king of Macedon and Alexander the Great's father. He's renowned for re-forming the Greek army, leading a number of military campaigns that greatly expanded the empire, and restoring internal peace. Although he was assassinated before he could realize all his goals, he's often credited with paving the path for his son's successes.

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20. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson

A legend in American military history, Thomas J. Jackson earned himself the nickname "Stonewall" from his habit of standing fearlessly in the line of fire, bullets whizzing by. He was Robert E. Lee's right-hand man and trusted subordinate who led the confederates through a number of stunning victories on the battlefield. 

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