It is no lie that Alexander the Great was a great military leader. He studied battle strategies with military leaders before him, and it aided him in commanding his armies against empires like Persia. In this campaign particularly, it showed his
military genius. Alexander had to use strategy to defeat Persia, which sometimes outnumbered his armies two to one. It also showed when the Thebans rebelled and attempted to declare independence. Infuriated, Alexander and his armies crushed them.
Alexander was also ‘great’ because he showed mercy. When the Thebans rebelled, he waited three days for them to surrender peacefully. Then when he went to Egypt, they surrendered as soon as Alexander and his armies arrived. They saw him as their saving grace from Persia and there were no casualties during this time. And when he conquered Persia, he appointed Persian governors to govern their own regions.
Alexander was a great leader because he respected the peoples he conquered. He respected their cultural traditions and knowledge as well. He allowed most of the peoples he conquered to continue with traditions, religious beliefs, and ceremonies. However, he did not have the same mindset with Persia. Due to the strong hate that most of his empire had for the Persians, he was a vengeful conqueror who often had disregard for their traditions, beliefs, and customs.
Alexander the Great was an excellent leader. He was a military genius. He also showed his people mercy and respect. These are extremely important characteristics of a great leader. Alexander was not cruel to the people he conquered, and his ultimate goal was to unite the best aspects of the western and eastern worlds.