10 Historical Figures Who Might Have Had Syphilis Syphilis has almost been eradicated by medicine in modern times. However, before there was an effective cure for the disease, syphilis was the scourge of the world. It recognized no boundaries, infecting both rich and poor. Syphilis may have caused some of the most important figures in history to either create some of the world’s greatest works or make decisions that altered the course of history. 10 Adolf Hitler May Have Ruled Germany While Suffering From Syphilis One theory may plausibly explain Hitler’s behavior and decisions while ruling Nazi Germany. Some historians believe that Hitler was suffering from an advanced form of syphilis toward the end of his regime.