5 Most Important People of the Twentieth Century

The Most Important People of the Century is a 1999 Time magazine compilation of the century's 100 most influential people. People who have changed the world for the better or for the worse. They are the people who motivate, entertain, challenge, and transform our world. The following is a brief description of the most influential people of the twentieth century.

Albert Einstein

The most influential scientist of the 20th century epoch, Albert Einstein (1879-1955) is known as the Father of Modern Physics. He may have revolutionized scientific thought, but what made the public adore him was his down-to-earth sense of humor. Known for making short quips, Einstein was the people’s scientist. Despite being one of the most brilliant men of the 20th century, Einstein appeared approachable, partly because he always had uncombed hair, disheveled clothing, and a lack of socks. During his entire life, Einstein worked diligently to understand the world around him and in so doing, developed the Theory of Relativity, which opened the door for the creation of the atomic bomb. He received a Nobel Prize for his contribution to the field of Theoretical Physics in the year 1921.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela is a former South African president, anti-apartheid activist, revolutionary, and politician. He was the first president to be elected in a multiracial, fully representative election. His administration prioritized the abolition of apartheid's legacy, as well as the reduction of racism, poverty, and inequality. He was the president of the African National Congress (ANC) political party from 1990 to 1999. He was a democratic socialist. He has received over a hundred awards and honors. However, Mandela's most notable achievement was receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, which elevated him to the ranks of the twentieth century's most influential figures.

He was kept in prison for 28 years because of fighting for human equality in South Africa. He died after a long struggle with cancer on Dec. 5, 2013, at the age of 95.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States (1933-1945) and a pivotal figure in mid-century world events, leading the country through a period of global economic depression and total war. Whether or not he was a "good" president, he is remembered as one of the most democratic and revolutionary presidents in American history. This is because he won two wars and helped America recover from the Great Depression through progressive norms and policies. He also established a Social Security system to assist senior citizens, ushering in America's Golden Age of innovation and production.

Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the Nazi Party (National Socialist German Workers Party). He was chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945 and dictator of Nazi Germany from 1934 to 1945. Hitler was at the center of Nazi Germany, World War II in Europe, and the Holocaust. He was the most debated personality of the century and a great German leader. He started the biggest war the world saw, and changed the entire face of the world by leading Germany throughout World War II. However, he committed suicide on April 30th, 1945. Often criticized for being one of the most cruel ruler in history of the world, he also instigated the Holocaust.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the most powerful figure in the history of the Indo-Pak subcontinent. He was an outstanding leader, lawyer, and politician. Jinnah was the leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan's independence on August 14, 1947, and the country's first Governor-General from 1947 until his death. In Pakistan, he is known as Quaid-i-Azam (Great Leader) and Baba-i-Qaum (Father of the Nation).