History is written by winners

Emperor Qin Shi Huang united all of China almost 2000 years ago. In doing so, he fought from sky to sky, murdering many Hans and other minority Chinese. He built the first version of the Great Wall literally on the backs of slaves and laborers and conducted massive tragic book burnings to ensure stability of his rule. The Kingdom of China prospered economically under his ruthless and brutal reign, but millions fell victim to his slaughter for his ambition to rewrite history and unite an empire.

Today the Great Wall of China is the pride of the Chinese people, not to mention a great tourist attraction along with the Terracotta army that guards his tomb. Today, unified China speaks of this emperor with praise and reverence. We are taught that China would not be so without his military determination.

After WWII, the Nazi regime in Germany’s past is now a shameful part of the country’s history. The symbol of Nazi Germany, the swastika, is a forbidden symbol and represents the worst acts of humanity almost worldwide. Hitler’s image is the epitome of evil. To say anything to defend his ideals is to offend the world.

I am not comparing the actions of one dictator to the other, almost 2000 years apart and in very different circumstances. But I can’t help but wonder what it would have been like if Hitler won, if he succeeded in conquering all of Europe and spreading the Aryan race. A decade or two later, a century or two later, what would our history books say? Would he be praised, despite his cruelties and murders for his vision and determination?

Even as a monster to society, he has contributed greatly to Berlin's tourist industry. Hitler’s bunker, site of Gestapo Headquarters, Olympic Stadium, Sachsenhausen. After all, we have come to Berlin to see these places and to study this past.