Failed Assassination: 5 Historical Figures That Barely Escaped

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Failed assassination: are you curious what historical figures barely escaped assassination in their lifetimes? In world history, there are numerous infamous assassinations that have influenced and shaped the society we live in today. Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Julius Caesar, just to name a few.

However, how many people stop and think of the numerous failed attempts on the lives of public figures? Even if these assassinations did not manage to fulfill their purpose, their number far exceeds the attempts that actually were a success. And who’s to know how they would have changed the course of history?

Let’s take a look at 5 historical figures that escaped assassination, in the same fashion as our presidential election results recap:

No. 5: Ronald Reagan, 1981

Public Domain Image: Public Domain

In 1981 a fellow by the name of John Hinkley fired several shots at then-president, Ronald Reagan, severely injuring him. Nonetheless, modern medicine combined with the fact that Reagan had otherwise been a healthy individual prevailed and the president survived. How would have the ‘80s looked like without Reagan at the helm? Hard to imagine.

No. 4: Benito Mussolini, 1926

Public Domain Image: Public Domain

In 1926, over the span of 7 months, Mussolini faced and survived four separate attempts on his life. During the first attempt, an Irish woman shot at the dictator, nearly taking his nose off. Three other men tried to shot at Mussolini after that, but they all missed their target. It is difficult to imagine what would have happened with the Fascists had one of these attempts been successful.

See other failed assassination attempts on the following pages:

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