Heroes or Tyrants? Using the Leadership of Chiang Kai-Shek to Re-examine the Legacy of Abraham Lincoln

Today, reappraisal of history has become paramount in society. Scholars seek to contextualize building names, statues, and the land we live on. However, historians time and time again fail to reappraise popular figures in American history and misrepresent them by placing them on a pedestal. This thesis will analyze the existing body of scholarly work and primary historical sources to compare two such leaders from history in Chiang Kai-shek and Abraham Lincoln. Chiang Kai-shek is largely unfamiliar to American audiences; however, he provides a model in which Americans can reappraise Lincoln. Both Lincoln and Chiang led their nations through civil wars. Lincoln led the Union through the Civil War while Chiang led the Chinese nationalists during the Chinese civil war. In this thesis, evidence will be presented that shows how both men used authoritarian leadership tactics during their presidencies. Though their reliance on authoritarianism was similar, Abraham Lincoln has been remembered as one of the greatest American presidents. Chiang Kai-shek has conversely been reappraised by the younger Taiwanese generation, who are bringing to light his political violence and suppression of basic freedoms of Taiwanese citizens during his presidency. This thesis argues that because Lincoln lead through a charismatic personality and made attempts to please both his allies and opponents, he has enjoyed a positive legacy historically compared to Chiang. Thus, Chiang Kai-shek can be used as a template to give a fairer assessment of Lincoln in American history.