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Since its debut in 1927, initially named 'Man of the Year,' Time magazine’s Person of the Year has often stirred debate, and in many instances, been quite clear-cut. Through the years, numerous selections have highlighted influential leaders during pivotal moments of crisis—such as Angela Merkel during the 2015 Greek financial crisis—while others have been dedicated to groups, organizations, and even abstract ideas. Here are 10 of Time magazine’s most intriguing choices for Person of the Year.
10. Wallis Simpson 1936
Wallis Simpson, the first female selection for Time's Person of the Year, was an American socialite who became the third wife of Edward VIII, the former King of England. Edward was compelled to abdicate to prevent a constitutional crisis arising from his wish to marry a twice-divorced American woman. His position as head of the Church of England was at risk, as the church did not permit its members to marry a divorcee if their former spouse was still living. Wallis herself had been married twice.
Edward gave up the throne before he could be formally crowned, after 325 days of reign. He stated, 'I now quit altogether public affairs.' He then went into exile in France, assuming the title Duke of Windsor. Wallis's role may have been more beneficial to England than previously thought, largely due to the bond she and Edward shared with the then-German Chancellor, Adolf Hitler.
9. Adolf Hitler 1938
Adolf Hitler is most remembered for his role in World War II in Europe and the mass murder of over 10 million people. However, he was also named Time's Man of the Year in 1938. Hitler was recognized for his part in the significant unification of Germany with Austria and the Sudetenland.
He held talks with Neville Chamberlain and Benito Mussolini, leading to an agreement incorporating the nations, which fueled Hitler's further expansionist ambitions towards Poland and Czechoslovakia. Time viewed the unification as a peaceful act and acknowledged Hitler for his influential role in it.
Hitler’s goal of uniting Germany into a larger empire was only the start of his broader ambitions to extend far beyond Germany's borders. Time recognized his diplomatic prowess in achieving annexation through negotiations with other European leaders.
8. Joseph Stalin 1939 and 1942
Joseph Stalin is one of only two individuals to be named Time's Person of the Year twice, and he remains the sole recipient associated with the deaths of an estimated 20–40 million people, many of whom were his own citizens. Stalin was initially recognized in 1939 for his pivotal role in signing the nonaggression pact with Germany. This agreement shifted the European power dynamics, allowing Hitler to focus on Western Europe while secretly amassing forces for an eventual invasion of Russia.
Stalin was again honored in 1942 for his leadership during the defense of the city named after him in the Battle of Stalingrad. The city was a critical point on the path to Moscow, and had it fallen to Germany, Russia might have crumbled. Stalin's victory in this battle set the stage for Russia's advance toward Germany, contributing to the war's conclusion three years later.
7. The American Fighting Man 1950 and 2003
In 1950, Time honored the American Fighting Man as Person of the Year in recognition of those fighting in the Korean War. This marked the first time the magazine chose a collective group for the title. The same honor was given again in 2003 to the American Soldier to acknowledge the contributions of all U.S. soldiers overseas, particularly those involved in the Iraq War, which began that year.
Time acknowledged that the ongoing wars were among the year’s most significant events, with numerous candidates considered for the title. After evaluating the roles of various presidents and key politicians during the Korean and Iraq wars, the editors ultimately chose to honor the brave men and women on the frontlines. 'We were united in this hope: that our men and women at arms might soon come safely home because their job was done.'
6. The Hungarian Freedom Fighter 1956
The Hungarian Revolution of 1956, also known as the Hungarian Uprising, was a failed nationwide revolt against the Soviet-imposed regime of the Hungarian People's Republic. After the Soviet Union assumed control of Nazi-occupied territories post-World War II, this was the first major rebellion against Soviet rule in Eastern Europe, symbolizing the sentiments of Soviet-controlled areas for much of the 20th century.
Time chose to honor the freedom fighters of the revolution, describing it as a 'rip in the Iron Curtain.' Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the establishment of the Third Hungarian Republic in 1989, October 23, the anniversary of the revolution, was declared a national holiday.
5. US Scientists 1960
Time predicted that 1960 would be a year of groundbreaking scientific advancements. They acknowledged US scientists collectively, with 15 individuals singled out for their remarkable contributions. The decision was made because 'the heart of scientific inquiry now beats strongest in this country.' Noteworthy achievements included breakthroughs in genetics and the secrets of DNA, along with significant progress in space exploration as the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union gained momentum.
Most of the 15 honorees went on to receive the Nobel Prize in their respective disciplines. Other fields highlighted included nuclear technologies, medicine, engineering, vaccinations, subatomic particle research, radiocarbon dating, quantum chemistry, and nuclear magnetic resonance.
4. The Inheritors (Baby Boomers) 1966
In 1966, Time chose to recognize the generation of Americans under 25, known as 'The Inheritors' or baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964. The magazine highlighted the distinctive achievements of this generation that set them apart from their predecessors, showcasing their impact across various fields.
The Man of the Year ran the mile in 3:51.3, and tragically died under mortar fire at An Lao. He received a B-minus in Physics I, earned a Fulbright scholarship, filmed a documentary in a New York ghetto, and was involved in guiding Gemini rendezvous in space. He worked for $76 a week with Operation Head Start in Philadelphia, earned $10,800 annually as a metallurgical engineer at Ford, and managed 600 acres of wheat land in Dakota.
Boomers were also celebrated for their active participation in the civil rights movement and the counterculture that emerged in the 1960s, marking their role in shaping societal change.
3. You 2006
In 2006, the rise of user-generated content began to reshape the internet through shared videos and social media interactions. Time acknowledged this significant shift, honoring all individuals for their widespread impact on a global scale in their annual issue.
Web 2.0 has not only united people worldwide, but it also sparked the most extensive collaborative effort in history, driving social change around the world. The internet has empowered anyone with access to speak out on the issues that matter most to them.
As Lev Grossman from Time stated, 'This is a chance to create a new form of international understanding, not through politicians or famous figures, but through citizens connecting with each other, person to person.'
2. The Computer1982
In 1982, the personal computer was selected as Machine of the Year for its pivotal role in ushering in the Information Age. Its entry into everyday homes marked a groundbreaking moment, as such technology had previously been unaffordable or too large for personal use.
This transformation was driven by the advent of the large-scale integration silicon chip, which expanded the transistor count from 20,000 to 1 million. Suddenly, a flood of reasonably priced computers entered the market, enabling tasks like 'sending letters at the speed of light, diagnosing a sick pet, customizing insurance plans in minutes, and even testing beer recipes.'
While computers are now commonplace, in 1982, they were an emerging technology that most people could not afford. Soon after the publication of this issue, Apple Inc. introduced the Apple Lisa, the first personal computer with a graphical user interface, priced at $9,995. Though the Lisa was not commercially successful, it played a key role in the development of personal computers.
1. American Women1975
In 1975, similar to their recognition of US scientists in 1960 (who were all men), Time honored the achievements of American women. This was especially significant in acknowledging the feminist movement, which celebrated the evolving roles and increasing diversity of women in America.
The article highlighted 12 women from various fields, showcasing the expanding roles of women in sports, politics, business, and more. Among those featured were Betty Ford, Billie Jean King, and Carla Hills, the third woman to serve in a presidential cabinet as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
In addition to the diverse group of women selected for this special issue, Time had previously spotlighted only three women, and since then, only two others have been chosen. It wasn’t until 1999 that Time officially changed the title from Man of the Year to Person of the Year.
