Since the start of times a number of important and influential leaders and politicians have been murdered. The reasons behind these killings were multifaceted. Most of them were murdered because their enemies had feared that they would bring a new revolution in the society. Revolutions are indeed feared by the elites of the society who believe that the society should function in way they desire. But this is not what these assassinated individuals had in mind who wanted to re-constitute the society along proper lines. At the same time some of these individuals had been murdered because of the assassin’s desire to become famous all around the world or at least in that particular area in which he carried out the assassination. There is no doubt in saying that the murders of these gifted individuals had a profound and a never ending impact on the course of history. One can only imagine the damage that has been done by the assassinations of these individuals. Below is the list of the top ten biggest assassinations in history.
10. Reinhard Heydrich
Had this man would have not been murdered the fate of Germany in the World War II would have been different. He was a senior Nazi official who was playing an important role in making out the strategy of Hitler in the war. But unfortunately, he was murdered by some Czech partisans in the year 1942. It is also believed that he was the most important official after Hitler and would have prevented Hitler from making the mistakes he had made in the final years of his rule. Some even assert that this guy was far more smart and intelligent than Hitler.
9. Indira Gandhi
At number 9 we have the most influential and one of the most powerful women in the course of Indian history, Indira Gandhi. Her assassination resulted in the everlasting political and social instabilities in the entire India. There were a number of reasons behind her treacherous murder which was carried out by her own guard. One reason was that she wanted to initiate a new wave of modernization in the land of India and had revolutionary ideas that would change the face of India. It was due to her thoughts and philosophies that a number of extremist organizations had mobilized in order to murder this political and powerful figure. No one can really estimate the importance of this woman in the course of Indian history and politics.
8. Benazir Bhutto
At number 8 we have the famous leader and most prominent politician in Pakistani History, Benazir Bhutto. Her assassination was in some ways similar to that of Indira Gandhi, as she also wanted to bring moderation in the attitudes of the Pakistani citizens. Her murder was clearly a response from the side of the Islamic militants who have destroyed the inner and outer levels of Pakistani economy and religion. The impact of her murder is highly visible in the present economic, social and political conditions of the country which is constantly experiencing a downfall. Despite of the fact that her previous governments were not so successful, the gap or void which has been created in the Pakistani politics due to her assassination can never be filled by anyone.
7. John F. Kennedy
In the course of American history, 4 presidents have been assassinated, but the assassination of John F. Kennedy was the biggest of them all. This man was indeed one of the most influential and charismatic presidents in the history of the American Nation. His voice and strategies always had a deep impact on the psyche of the citizens. It can be rightly said the impact and sorrow of his assassination is still visible in fragments in the collective unconscious of the American people. Apparently, his assassination did not result in any form of political instability in the country, as all his programs and policies were carried forward by the next president, but still his assassination was a big blow to the American morale. At the same time there are a number of stories that are still prevalent about the reasons for which this man was murdered.
6. Julius Caesar
The murder of this great ruler and greatest general in the history of the Roman Empire is still considered to be one of most remembered acts of treachery and hatred. Now here arises the question that what would have been the present fate of Rome if he would have survived and carried forward his plans. No definite answer can be given to this question, but it can be said that the condition of the Empire would have been much better than was seen in the periods after his assassination. The assassination of Caesar was carried by none of other than his own Senators which indeed exemplifies that hatred exists not only in one’s enemies, but also in the most trusted ones. His mindset and governance style is still unmatched and unexampled.
5. Mahatma Gandhi
The biggest shock which India had to face in the initial days of its independence was the assassination of Gandhi by a student. The assassination of this revolutionary figure was carried out in the streets of the capital, Delhi. There is no doubt in saying that Gandhi was an extremely intelligent and practical individual. He wanted to bring an era of peace and progress in India and wanted to become the voice of the poor. The void created due to his assassination is indeed very big and will always remain a void, but had he been murdered by a Muslim one can only imagine the form of devastation and violence that would have resulted from it. In simple words, the sub-continent would have been a battleground of bloodshed and anger.
4. Alexander II
Now let us take a look to at the greatest leader and ruler in the Russian History, Alexander II. He was yet another great leader who was murdered at the hands of the terrorists or may be by an external force. His assassination had been carried out in the year 1881 and it can be said with great efficacy and confidence that if he had survived from the assassination, Russia would have looked more different than now. For the people he was like an enlightened monarch and a person with morals, strategies and commitment. It is indeed the misfortune of the Russian nation that the successors of Alexander II proved to be corrupt and ruthless. It was because of the attitudes and baseless policies of his successors that resulted in the 1917 revolution and a new wave of communism (stateless, classless society) was witnessed by the world.
3. Abraham Lincoln
At number 3 we have yet another American president whose death had a negative impact on the course of American history. There are indeed a number of stories that are linked with his assassination. It is believed that his assassination was carried out by John Wikes Booth, who was initially an actor but later on had turned into a Southern agitator. It is also said that once Robert (Lincoln’s son) was saved from a very severe train accident by none other than John Wikes’ brother, Edwin Booth. The actions of John had a more negative impact in protecting the rights of his beloved South and it can be said his act resulted in a more negative response than positive. Also, it was due to Lincoln’s assassination that the civil war had lasted much longer.
2. Franz Ferdinand
The amount of repercussions that had resulted from the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and his wife, were indeed the causal factors behind the seeds of the World War I. The assassination of this great and highly noble Archduke had resulted in the declaration of the devastating war between Serbia and Austria. It was quite substantiated that his assassination was carried out on the orders of the Serbian military intelligence. His views were liberal and were directed towards the betterment of the nation as a whole. The chain reactions that were resulted hereafter are still visible in form or the other. At the same time the 15 million deaths that were seen in the World War I raise a number of questions on the murder of the Archduke of the Austria-Este. The person responsible for his assassination was another anarchist. The last words which were said by Franz near his death to his injured wife were (Don’t die darling you must live for our children). His wife had died at the spot due to internal bleeding, but the Archduke had died a bit later.
1. Martin Luther King, Jr.
At number 1 we have the biggest assassination that was carried out in response to the liberal and moderate ideas of the greatest civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr. He was no doubt the biggest civil rights defender the world has ever seen. His murder was a huge blow to the morale of the blacks in America who had lost their biggest leader. There are a number of controversies and stories that are linked to his assassination. According to a number of sources, the assassination was carried out by a sniper whose name was James Earl Ray, an escaped convict. No doubt, Martin’s intentions were pure and peaceful directed towards the betterment of his people who had been suffering oppression from the day they were born. The present status of the blacks in America is primarily due to the efforts that were made by Martin. He wanted to form a new society in which the blacks would be given importance based on their abilities and love for the country. The denial and devastation of the blacks in America is indeed a harsh and bitter fact of American history. His most remembered words are (I Have a Dream).
