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1543
Nicolaus Copernicus
Copernicus changed the way the solar system was viewed with the sun in the middle and the earth in motion around it. This changed the way we viewed the solar system forever. -
Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon indirectly contributed to the plate tectonic theory and solid Earth geophysics. Bacon created the Scientific Method, which is known as the Bacon Method. -
Galileo Galilei
Galilei created the telescope which allowed us to see planets from Earth. He also discovered the four largest moons of Jupiter. -
Rene Descartes
Rene Descartes influenced the use of transforming geometrical problems into algebra. He established the x-axis and y-axis in algebraic drawings. The current use of exponents is also a Rene Descartes innovation. -
Isaac Newton
Newton made the three laws of motion which set the foundation for modern mechanics. He made calculus, the binomial theorem, the law of gravitation, and many more things that influence our mechanics and thoughts today. -
John Locke
John Locke believed that we the people should have consent to who rules as a means to protect our rights, life, liberty, and estate. This deeply influenced the U.S. to what we continue to have today. -
Montesquieu
Montesquieu's discussion about the separation of powers and checks and balances greatly influenced the design of the U.S. Constitution. He argued that all people are created equal. This eliminated the idea of the Divine Rights of Kings to Rule. If the King did not have a good rule then the people had the right to rebel in which many cases they did. -
Denis Diderot
Denis Diderot published the Encyclopedia or Systematic Dictionary of Science Arts and Crafts. Diderot explored all human knowledge and provided readers with a much deeper analysis of nearly all aspects of human existence. -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
His philosophies are believed to have influenced the American Revolution. Some of his ideas were also drawn up for the Declaration of Independence. His ideas for democracy were incorporated into the U.S. government. -
Voltaire
Voltaire rebelled against the Church and state institutions such as aristocracy, monarchy, and bureaucrats. He wanted social reform and equality between the people. His writing influenced the American Revolution and the Founding Fathers' concepts to build a new form of government. -
James Watt
James Watt invented different types of steam engines that helped start the Industrial Revolution. To describe the efficiency of his engines, he coined the term 'horsepower' and devised a rev counter. -
Adam Smith
Smith attacked government intervention and provided a base for free markets and free trade. This was caused by his publishing the An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. -
George Washington
George Washington was the commander of the Continental Army. Even though he didn't have much experience in leading an army he was able to allow us to win Yorktown and independence for America. -
Thomas Jefferson
As the "Silent member" of the congress Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. In years he labored to make his words a reality in Virginia. He also wrote a bill establishing religious freedom. -
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart was aware and a supporter of the ideas behind these revolutions. Mozart expression of Enlightenment ideas was inspired, at least in part, by his association with Freemasons. -
Maximilien Robespierre
Maximilian Robespierre was an architect at the time and was arrested by the National Convention. As the leading member of the Committee of Public Safety. Maximilien Robespierre encouraged the execution of more than 17,000 enemies. -
Miguel Hidalgo
On September 16, 1810, the date was celebrated as Mexican Independence Day. Hidalgo issued the "Grito de Dolores", calling for the end of Spanish rule. The speech launched the Mexican War of Independence. -
Simon Bolivar
Simon Bolivar is still today as the greatest leader of South American independence. He was highly influenced by the examples of the United States and led a massive revolt against the Spanish.