Erwin Smith was the leader of the Exploration Battalion until the end of the Battle of Shiganshina in the Attack of the Titans universe. He always showed strong leadership and determination to those under his charge, frequently demonstrating heroic and charismatic behavior.

How Did Erwin Smith Change The Course Of History?

His influence is constantly present in the series and remains palpable even after his disappearance. By examining the ways in which Erwin has altered the course of history, we are able to appreciate more of his life and the complex results of his actions throughout the anime.

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10.  He resolved the tension between Mikasa and Livai

How Did Erwin Smith Change The Course Of History?

After the battle of Shiganshina, a heated discussion broke out regarding the heir to the Colossal Titan. Mikasa and Eren both backed Armin, pointing to his direct contribution to Bertholdt’s defeat, while Livai insisted on choosing Erwin as a strong leader.

Tensions rose between the two parties and Mikasa was upset that the captain was sacrificing their friend’s life. Eventually, Erwin managed to ease tensions by persuading Livai to choose Armin over him, thus avoiding further conflict within the Exploration Battalion.

9.  He introduced the idea that current history might not be accurate.

How Did Erwin Smith Change The Course Of History?

Even as a child, Erwin displayed a deep intelligence. He had understood the contradictions taught in Paradise classrooms and confronted his father with the truth. Finally, he obtained a hint of the knowledge he sought, enough to confirm his suspicions.

This led to his father’s disappearance at the hands of the military police. However, Erwin did not give up his mission and, after his death, the truth was revealed thanks to the discovery of Marley and the outside world.

8.  He saved Eren’s life by replacing him with Jean

How Did Erwin Smith Change The Course Of History?

The striking resemblance between Eren and Jean Kirstein allowed Erwin to use him as a surrogate on several occasions when Paradis executives demanded it. Smith’s strategy led to his arrest, but nevertheless produced extremely positive results. His genius enabled him to free himself later, once his plan to save the interior had become clear.

When Eren accompanied Armin to Annie’s side, he was able to protect him from her wrath after she was unmasked as a Female Titan. The battle within the walls was devastating, but without Eren’s presence – facilitated by Erwin – there would have been countless casualties, including Armin himself.

7. He gave the best monologues of the entire series

How Did Erwin Smith Change The Course Of History?

Erwin’s incomparable charisma enabled him to guide others. Talented as both a scout and an orator, he was responsible for rallying his men on several occasions.

Smith’s most notable speeches were delivered during the introduction of the Exploration Battalion as well as in preparation for the battle against Sieg. In the latter case, he led a bold charge against seemingly insurmountable odds and managed to convince his soldiers to follow him, even though they were heading for certain death.

6.  He volunteered to welcome Eren to the trial

How Did Erwin Smith Change The Course Of History?

After Eren’s titanic nature was revealed, he was brought before a court under the authority of Dharis Zacklley. His corrupt detractors called for his death sentence, arguing that a titan inside the walls presaged catastrophe.

However, Erwin understood the importance of preserving her life and testified on her behalf. He volunteered to take her into the Exploration Battalion and accepted full responsibility for her actions. Without his foresight, Paradis would have been doomed to pernicious decline, while the Warrior Unit would have continued to weaken him from within.

5.  He offered the ideal image of a Battalion soldier

How Did Erwin Smith Change The Course Of History?

Erwin was more than just a strong leader; he embodied the ideal image of a Battalion soldier. He was tenacious, loyal and dedicated to the preservation of Paradise, willing to sacrifice his own life to achieve it.

Erwin had his faults, but they were hard to discern and lay mainly in the recesses of his mind. He was fully aware that his bold actions could disrupt the nation’s established order and lead to major civil unrest. Unfortunately, he didn’t live to see his fears realized.

4.  His death provided a fitting conclusion to the Shiganshina arc

How Did Erwin Smith Change The Course Of History?

Erwin’s death was a tragedy, but it was a necessary reminder of the ubiquitous nature of mortality in the Attack of the Titans universe. Although most of the heroes mentioned made it through Marley’s arc unscathed, his death was a poignant reminder that they couldn’t have accomplished what they did without sacrifice.

Furthermore, this created a source of tension between Livai and Sieg, even after the latter had allegedly betrayed Marley for the sake of his Eldian ancestors.

3.  He helped rehabilitate Livai Ackerman

How Did Erwin Smith Change The Course Of History?

When Erwin found Livai, he was a ruthless thug living in the underworld of Paradise. Through discipline, courage and patience, Erwin managed to transform him into the fearless captain we see throughout most of the anime.

Despite Erwin’s role in his rehabilitation, Livai doesn’t regard him with an ounce of respect. In the run-up to the reconquest of Shiganshina, Livai went so far as to threaten to break his limbs if the commander joined the fight, as he knew he was in no shape to follow the Battalion.

2.  He helped overthrow Reiss’s government

How Did Erwin Smith Change The Course Of History?

Rod Reiss and the corrupt nobles of Paradise cared little for the safety of their fellow citizens. After Dot Pixis orchestrated a false alarm announcing that the Titans had breached the second wall, they were more than willing to let their own people die.

Revolted by what he was hearing, Pixis agreed to join Erwin’s coup, rallying his men against the country’s rulers and replacing Historia at their head. Erwin’s bold act in usurping power would have lasting consequences for the rest of the series, and would allow Paradis to prosper far beyond what it might otherwise have achieved.

1.  He named Hansi as his replacement

How Did Erwin Smith Change The Course Of History?

One of Erwin’s most crucial decisions was to appoint a successor after his death. After careful consideration, he chose Hansi Zoe to follow in his footsteps and continue his mission.

This proved to be a wise choice, as Hansi was an experienced scout and a brilliant inventor. However, Hansi didn’t possess the same charisma as Erwin and failed to contain Eren’s aggressive incursion into Marley. The Jägerist movement flourished during Hansi’s tenure, but it’s hard to say whether Erwin would have been able to contain it had he still been alive.

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