Famous 19th Century Dictators

Controversial Russian dictator, Joseph Stalin, ruled the Soviet Union for around 25 years from 1929 to 1953 and is credited for making it a prominent industrial and military power of the world. During the Second World War, his army defeated the Nazis too. However, his regime was also one of terror and brutality where numerous Soviet citizens lost their lives.

The dictator of Italy from 1925 to 1945, Benito Mussolini founded the Fascist Party in 1919. It opposed class discrimination and supported nationalism. But when in power, Mussolini crushed rival political parties, trade unions, free press and free speech. He was overthrown by his former colleagues in the Fascist government in July 1943 and ultimately shot dead in April 1945.

Francisco Franco overthrew the Second Spanish Republic by leading the Nationalist forces as their general during the Spanish Civil War. Subsequently, Franco ruled over Spain as a dictator from 1939 to 1975. He had such an impact as a dictator that the period between the Nationalist victory and Franco's death is known as Francoist Spain in the history of Spain.

Ramón Castilla was a Peruvian political and military leader. He is best remembered for his service as the President of Peru on three occasions between 1844 and 1862. He also served as the Interim President of Peru in April 1863. Ramón Castilla played an important role in the Peruvian War of Independence, where he led the army of the Libertadores.

Hungarian military leader and minister of war Artúr Görgey was one of the most prominent figures of the Hungarian Revolutionary Army. Following his revolution against the Habsburg Empire, he was named the dictator of Hungary by Lajos Kossuth. Though he was branded a traitor, his name was later cleared.