Wallenstein

It was interesting to read about the fear and envy possessed by many territorial rulers and the emperor toward Wallenstein. Wallenstein was a very successful leader on the battle field during the Thirty Years War, and for being victorious he was reward with a smaller army and eventually death. Many high powered individuals were, so afraid of Wallenstein's power that they ordered the Emperor to reduce the power of the Imperial army. Later the Emperor would even go so far as to have Wallenstein killed basically out of fear. Fear that another man could gain the popularity of the masses, and one day use that to gain control. We see this theme come up throughout history, most notably being with Julius Caesar. Other men’s power becomes another man’s fear. One of my favorite movies of all time portrays this point perfectly and that is, Gladiator. In Gladiator Russell Crows characters ability to control the masses with his popularity drives the emperor up the wall as he battles with the idea of killing Crows character and becoming hated amongst his people, or letting him live and risking being exposed for what he is to all his people. You have seen it many times before in history; when an individual controls the masses sky is the limit. For example Hitler’s ability to persuade the masses was instrumental in his ability to mount such a tragic and monumental take over. Who knows if Wallenstein would have ever been capable of such power, but as it is the fear of one man was just too much.