The Dark Side of American History: Notorious Figures of the 20th Century
The Dark Side of American History: Notorious Figures of the 20th Century
Throughout the tumultuous 20th century, America has seen its share of notoriety. Figures like Marshall Applewhite and Franklin D. Roosevelt have left a lasting impact, often in ways that challenge our understanding of human nature and moral responsibility. While some actions are rooted in misguided ideology, others stem from a desire for political power and influence. This article explores some of these figures and their controversial legacies.
Marshall Applewhite: The Prophet of the Heavens Gate Cult
Marshall Applewhite is perhaps best known for his leadership of the Heavens Gate cult. Under his guidance, a small but dedicated group of followers believed in a coming ascension to a higher plane of existence with advanced extraterrestrial beings. This belief led to a shocking act of mass suicide in 1997, where 39 people, including Applewhite himself, committed suicide under the false promise of joining a space ship with the extraterrestrials.
Living in communes, Applewhite and his followers practiced various forms of self-denial, including castration for some members, as a means to cleanse themselves and achieve their spiritual goals. The emotional manipulation and brainwashing techniques employed by Applewhite are disturbing, even in comparison to similar cult leaders like Jim Jones, who at least allowed for some critical thinking among his followers.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: A Complex Figure with Dark Sides
Often celebrated for his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, Franklin D. Roosevelt's legacy is complex and multifaceted. One of the more controversial aspects of his presidency was the decision to intern Japanese Americans following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Executive Order 9066 authorized the forced relocation and incarceration of over 120,000 individuals of Japanese ancestry, many of whom were American citizens.
Despite the Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of this action in Korematsu v. United States (1944), the choice to forcibly relocate these individuals underscores the biases and fears present during the early 1940s. Roosevelt's 1936 Berlin Olympics incident, where black athletes like Jesse Owens were excluded from an invitation to meet with the President, highlights a different form of discrimination, one built on race and public image.
Furthermore, Roosevelt's approach to anti-lynching legislation is noteworthy. By telling an advocate, "I just get aawaay from that," he demonstrated a lack of political will to support stronger federal measures against this violent practice. Even his wife, Eleanor, took a more active stance on this issue.
Perhaps one of the most under-recognized but influential figures during this period is Wayne Wheeler, a key figure in the passage of Prohibition in the early 20th century. As the head of the Anti-Saloon League, Wheeler was instrumental in passing the 18th Amendment. His actions led to the banning of alcohol, which inadvertently empowered organized crime, particularly the Mafia.
Conclusion
While the 20th century is often remembered for its social progress and technological advancements, it is also a period marked by significant moral failings. Figures like Marshall Applewhite, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Wayne Wheeler remind us that the path of progress is often fraught with darkness and complexity. Understanding these figures and their legacies is crucial for comprehending the forces that have shaped modern America.