20 Surprising Facts That May Change Your Mind About Evil Dictators

Which vicious tyrant loved a far-from-masculine strawberry sherbet frappe?

Saddam Hussein Between them, the 12 evil dictators and leaders in this list oversaw the murder of more than 200million people and ruled over each of their respective nations and empires with an uncompromising iron fist. Despite these harrowing statistics, it is rare for the character traits of the likes of Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin and Mao Tse-Tung to be discussed. Due to the the inhumane atrocities which they perpetrated or instigated, it is often forgotten that somewhere rooted deep within their evil souls there were some "normal" characteristics. At the end of the day, they were human after all - even if it was in a savage and extreme form. Before being elevated to their positions of power, these rulers did live everyday lives just like the rest of the human population. But could you guess which oppressive dictator dreamed of being a cowboy in the Wild West? Which apparently cruel leader actually personally designed a road car intended to increase driver safety for his subjects? Or which ferocious ruler's favourite drink was a far-from masculine strawberry sherbet frappe? Here are 20 fascinating facts which may just change your opinion of these brutal dictators - well, probably not, but they're certainly interesting and surprising nonetheless...
Contributor
Contributor

NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.