Once A Pawn A Time . . . Kings, Queens and Dictators ...OR....The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, It's All in Your Perspective

An Integrated, Interdisciplinary Thematic unit exploring world leaders and their rise to power Ambition and the desire for power are human characteristics that can be used for both good and evil. It is the combination and intensity of these two traits that have been responsible for the rise to power of many of the dynamic and influential individuals students encounter in their study of history and literature. It is important for us to look at the circumstances under which leaders came into power, how they used their power and the results of the use of this power. Through the study of European leaders from Julius Caesar through Hitler, students will become acquainted with who sought power, attained it and used it for both good and evil. They will learn the circumstances and techniques used by these leaders that enabled them to become so powerful. This knowledge will help students to evaluate those who present themselves as leaders, look at the climate in which these leaders are working and make more thoughtful decisions about whom they will follow and more cognizant of the possible consequences of their decisions.