Do Ordinary Citizens, not Heroes, determine the History of a Nation?

Ordinary citizens, not heroes, determine the history of a nation.
Describe a specific situation in which heroes, not ordinary citizens, determine the history of a nation. Discuss what you think determines whether ordinary citizens or heroes determine the history of a nation.

___
In the United States' relatively short history, there have been a few national heroes that stand out in schoolroom textbooks: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., etc. These type of men are representative of the movers and shakers of US history. Granted, there have been many unsung heroes (including women, as well as ordinary citizens) who have contributed significantly to history but have not been recognized in textbooks. However, those who have been touted as our heroes have stood out for the reason that they possessed qualities that are extremely rare--that is, the charisma, extraordinary professional accomplishments, and the ability to convince ordinary citizens to follow and support their cause. In a sense, ordinary citizens help determine the history of a nation but usually with the leadership of a national hero.

Not all significant accomplishments in history can be recorded. There have been many people, including ordinary citizens, that have helped determine the trajectory of the United States. There are a select few, however, whose accomplishments become known by every school child and are commemorated during certain days of the years. These heroes not only pushed forward significant changes during their time--they also continue to inspire future leaders to make a difference in the greater community. Martin Luther King Jr., for example, was the most influential leader during the Civil Rights movement whose actions and causes opened educational and professional doors for non-white citizens. He continues to have an important presence in millions of people's lives today by exemplifying hope and change for a more equal society. Heroes, such as Martin Luther King Jr., not only make significant changes during their time but also continue to move the nation towards a certain direction beyond their lifetimes.

Of course, ordinary citizens also have significant roles in national history. They have been the ones deployed overseas to risk their lives during war. They work everyday to move the nation's economy. They raise families that contribute (positively and negatively) to the direction of our nation. However, they do not determine the history of a nation per se. It is the national leaders or heroes that have the ability to rally together ordinary citizens in the hundreds of thousands to support their cause and move history forward.


The nation's heroes have historically (and for the most part) been people belonging to the privileged classes and backgrounds. For example, most of the leaders that we deem as heroes have been our presidents---white men with high education and influential families. Only a handful of non-whites, such as Martin Luther King Jr., have been widely recognized. However, as our nation becomes more diverse and opens opportunities to minorities, more people with different backgrounds will be recognized for their groundbreaking accomplishments and uncanny ability to influence thousands of other people to support their cause.