benevolent dictators

[ludwig]

I was wondering if there were any examples of benevolent dictators. ie people who having seized power go on to work tirelessly for the good of the people, rather than being corrupt lunatic despots as is usually the case.
Preferrably from recent history.
thanks.

[jake-the-peg]

possible contenders

Simon Bolivar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sim%C3%B3n_Bol%C3 %ADvar

Sadat
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anwar_Sadat

Possibly France-Albert Rene
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_Albert_Ren %C3%A9

[Bellringer]

Salazar of Portugal

[Loosehead]

You could argue Fidel Castro, fits in to this bracket. Obviously as a Communist/Socialist he has reduced the country to poverty stricken but he was imposing a system that he "knew" was right, he did not seek riches for himself and lives a modest existance. The flawed ideology he follows does not detract from his intent. So you could say he is a benevolent with good intentions but not much idea!

[jno]

the childish boycott of Cuba carried out by its neighbour may have something to do with Cuba's poverty; but their education and health systems are said to be very good, which suggests better priorities than we have.

[Count_Emmup]

Salazar of Portugal benevolent?

Have you escaped from a mental institution?

The nearest I can think of is Miguel Primo de Rivera in Spain 1923 - 31.

[Count_Emmup]

From Wikipedia.
Salazar relied on the secret police, first being called PVDE (Pol�cia de Vigil�ncia e Defesa do Estado) that followed a Gestapo-inspired way of acting, (often known by the name it carried from 1945-1969, PIDE) resulting in repression, torture, and in extreme cases, the murder of dissidents.

[Beria]

Gorbachev.

[Peter Pedant]

Erm George III and Amerikee ?

The one they call Mad King George

The whole of the eighteenth century is made of up to thetransition from benevolent despotism to parliamentary erm democracy

Victor Emmanuele II of Italy ?

Mohammed V of Morrocco ?

de valera in Ireland ?

PP

[ludwig]

Some good answers there. Thank you all.

[ReinaLuna]

I'd vote for Simon Bolivar, being a Brazilian, he is closer to me than any other, although Brasil wasn't freed by him, because we had a very different case from the rest of South American countries. (although as far as I know he was never a dictator)

I wonder how there was never a film about him, because according to what I read, he was so romantic, so caring with the woman he loved, he was a great person both politically and personally, well, I can't hide I really admire the guy!!! ;o)