Unintended Consequences of Political Incarceration

by Andre

As someone who spends a fair chunk of his free time reading up on 20th century history, I have been exposed to an abundance regarding mini-biographies on government and revolutionary leaders. More often than not, it seems, there is a point in their lives where they are sent away to prison in hopes preventing further disruptions toward the status quo.

During these periods of incarceration, there can be found a reoccurring trend in which these people discover ways to strengthen the fire that burns within. In many cases, the time spent behind bars can be seen as essential instruments in their political futures.

Some examples below:
 

• Josip Broz Tito, President of SFR Yugoslavia (1953-1980): Communist activism landed him in jail in 1928, where he spent five years in a Yugoslav prison refining his understanding of the scientific principles on which Communist political, economic, and social thought are based. Upon release, he used his newly acquired knowledge to eventually rule the country for over a quarter century.
• Malcolm X, American Civil Rights Movement Leader: Imprisoned with questionable charges of larceny, and breaking and entering in 1946. During this time, he spent seemingly endless hours educating himself on, among other things, the Islamic teachings that became vital to his character later in life. He later reflected on this time in prison, “Months passed without my even thinking about being imprisoned. In fact, up to then, I had never been so truly free in my life.”
• Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, Principle Leader of the October Revolution: Arrested for 14 months before being exiled to Siberia, where he mingled with notable Marxists such as Georgy Plekhanov, who had introduced socialism to Russia.
• Adolf Hitler, Leader of the Third Reich: Spent some time after a failed attempt to overthrow the government in 1923. It was during this period that he wrote the first volume of Mein Kampf, a practical outline of his future intentions as Nazi leader.
• Martin Luther King Jr., American Civil Rights Movement Leader: Wrote Letter from Birmingham Jail while spending time for a non-violent protest conducted against segregation. The letter promoted the idea that the time for action against segregation was now, and that civil disobedience is justified in the face of continual segregation.
• Nelson Mandela, President of South Africa (1994 – 1999): Spent twenty-seven years for actions against the apartheid government. While there, he attained a Degree in Law, promoted his anti-aphartheid cause to others, and secured his status as a symbol against oppression. Upon his release, he became the overwhelmingly popular first black president in South Africa, ultimately being awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
• Fidel Castro, Communist Revolutionary: Spent two years in prison where he continued to plot Batista’s overthrow, planning to reorganize and train for revolution in Mexico upon his release.
• Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister during WWII: Became a minor National Hero after escaping from a POW camp in Pretoria during the Second Boer War. This helped him gain status to eventually become Prime Minister.

It may seem obvious that incarceration doesn’t always have the intended effect as wished for by the ruling government, but examples like those listed above show how easily the exact opposite of can occur. I’m sure there are other instances where an incarceration has backfired in preventing future uprisings by political figures. If you can think of any, please feel free to continue the list in the comments below.