People’s history embraces the idea that the ordinary is just as important as the extraordinary; though great leaders did have an impact on historic events, the ordinary people who continued on with their lives or participated in these battles were just as important in the evolution of society.
Subaltern studies is a further example of history from below. For more information, see our guide “What are Subaltern Studies?”
Closing thoughts
The great man theory highlights the accomplishments of men in history, leaders who have come before us and who exerted their influence on history. While their leadership qualities are admirable, the primary focus on these men as being the sole reasons for historic victories or defeats takes away from the influence of ordinary people who also experienced these historic events.
The theory, however, fails to acknowledge the marginalized in history and those who were not given a voice due to their gender, race, or socioeconomic status. The theory adopts the male gaze, focusing primarily on white, European men and acknowledging their influence in history, all the while disregarding minority voices. While it is interesting to study heroes in history, the great man theory can be problematic, as in the case of Adolf Hitler who was seen as a great man according to many people at the time, a charismatic leader, who convinced others to follow his evil intentions because they recognized him as a hero. However, if studied in conjunction with the history from below theory, both theories can educate people in how leaders and those on the fringes of society helped shape history.
Today, people still subscribe to the great man theory as films, books, and other media still idolize such historic figures as Napoleon Bonaparte and the stories of many great men in history, like Robert the Bruce and William Shakespeare, are still taught in schools. In some ways, we still view history through the eyes of these “heroes” and their achievements on the battlefield, in literature, or in society. The idea of the great man continues to be seen through entrepreneurs, like Steve Jobs, who is seen as an innovative leader in the tech industry, and Elon Musk, who has assumed a cult-like status. Whether they are actually “great” or not, such male leaders will continue to impact future generations as their work inspires people around the world.
Further great man theory reading on Perlego
A Pluralistic Universe (2019) by William James
Thomas Carlyle (2013) by Fred Kaplan
Herbert Spencer and the Invention of Modern Life (2014) by Mark Francis
Nietzsche's Philosophy of History (2013) by Anthony K. Jensen
A People's History of the World (2008) by Chris Harman
World's Great Men of Color, Volume 1 (2011) by J.A. Rogers
Life Below Stairs (2011) by Alison Maloney