When discussing the most powerful and gifted leaders in the history of our world, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Adolph Hitler are two names sure to come up. Roosevelt, the ultimate family man and democrat figure of his time, grew up in a very fortunate family. Even though his father died when he was rather young, he had his mother to raise him. And that she did. His mother made sure he had all the tools he needed to become a gentleman, a politician, and eventually the President of the United States. Hitler’s childhood was a different story though, to say the least. He was often beaten by his father when he was young, but displayed talents in the art field. Unfortunately, constant rejection and failure forced Hitler to form a melancholy attitude towards society. Both men rose to a position of power, and their true traits and leadership qualities were manifested over time. FDR and Hitler had many similarities and differences that made them both the leaders that they later became.

FDR and Hitler had many similarities, both in their lives, and in the way they chose to communicate to their followers. To begin, both FDR and Hitler lost their fathers at a relatively young age. This occurrence is said to have affected both of them, but naturally, in different ways. They also both portrayed great skill in the art of speech, using their special tools of communication to connect with their listeners. FDR’s voice was like no other. It is frequently said that the remedy he produced gave one a “grandfather-like feeling.” Hitler, on the other hand, had a very powerful and persuasive voice. His aggressive, “football coach-like” voice inspired millions of Germans, and other people around the world. Another similarity between the two men is that they both frequently used the radio to spread their voice. At the time, nobody at home had a television or computer that they could use to gain access to current worldly events. FDR’s fireside chats provided a warming and welcoming feeling for American listeners, and often gave people the inspiration to “have faith” and “unite” as a nation. Hitler, on the other hand, spoke to the masses in an aggressive tone that made many people at home feel very comfortable because they had such a strong leader. Many similarities between FDR and Hitler made them quite alike, but more importantly, defined them as the people/leaders that they were.

FDR and Hitler also had many differences, which nonetheless still formed their character and leadership persona. To start, they both were fond of very different music. The reason this is important is because music sometimes has the power to influence people to think and act a certain way. FDR was quite fond of happy, up-beat folk music that was a joy to the ears of Americans. He was known to have this type of music playing in the background of many of his speeches during his campaign run. Hitler took a liking to a very different kind of music. His favorite artist was Richard Wagner, who composed dark, depressing opera-style music. FDR was the ideal image of the true American democrat. His bright personality and open-minded attitude contributed to the kind of person that he portrayed himself as. Hitler was the epitome of a true dictator. His aggressive attitude and loud voice formed a very powerful persona. Finally, FDR was very influential to the freedom movement. He believed in freedom of speech for everyone, everywhere, and also the determination to be free from fear. Hitler believed quite the opposite. Fear was a tool he used to gain the respect of people all around the world. Obviously, he didn’t believe everyone was equal and deserving of freedom. He used the Jews as a scapegoat often, and was responsible for the deaths of around 6 million Jews (12 million people total).

FDR and Hitler, regardless of their similarities and differences, were still two of the most successful leaders of their time, and in history. Their ability to attract people’s attention, and persuade them was truly amazing. They also knew how to manage their God given gifts, and knew when to use them. Even though their beliefs and intentions were almost completely opposite of each other, they both accomplished almost the same kind of success when it came to forming and maintaining leadership. These two men are examples of different people who use common tactics to become successful in what they want.

FDR and Hitler’s similarities and differences are what made them the men and leaders that they were.Similar communication skills set them aside from anyone else. Different political views are what divided their countries and their leaderships. Everything that contributed to the make-up of these two men both helped and hurt them at some point in their political careers. FDR was loved for his heart-warming attitude, while Hitler was hated for his inhumane actions. Hitler was loved greatly by his country for the unification he brought them, while FDR was often ridiculed for not being aggressive enough as a leader.