Most interesting people who affected history?

Question

I have to do a history day project on a person in history (that is connected to an event in history) that affected history in some way. You know, like Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust, etc.

I was thinking about doing Albert Fish or Jim Jones, but I can't really think of how they affected history at all. I know police learned a lot about cannibalism and pedophiles from Albert Fish and Jim Jones did...something. But, you know. I'm not sure.

Who are some interesting people and why did they affect history?

I really appriciate any answers. If you suggest one that I really, really love. I'll best answer it. :D

Answer 1

Well, the college I attend is Hobart and William Smith. If I was doing your project (if I magically went back in time to high school of course) I'd pick Elizabeth Blackwell. She's incredibly important to America's history, but my college is most proud of her.

Back in the 1800s, women were not allowed to do much with their lives. They were expected to stay at home and take care of the house and children, and that is it. Well Elizabeth Blackwell was determined to prove people wrong. She applied to a bunch of colleges, but every one turned her down, saying a woman could not be a doctor. The only one that accepted her was Geneva Medical College (which later would become my college). She graduated in 1849 at the top of her class, the first woman in the US to earn a medical degree.

Of course, since people didn't accept her, since she had a v****a, she was forced to practice in Europe, where people were more open minded of women doctors, and she met Florence Nightengale and opened a clinic with her.

Cool huh?

Answer 2

Well, there's always enemy numero uno, Adolf Hitler.  He erased 6 million Jews from the planet, not to mention the other millions of homosexuals, Gypsies, people he didn't like.  Think about all the lost artists, the lost doctors, the lost teachers, the lost scientists.  Millions upon millions of people gone.  

Other interesting people?  What about Einstein?  His theory of relativity might have affected things... ;)

How about Elvis Presley?  He brought "black" music to the forefront.  He changed the face of music.

Answer 3

Abraham Lincoln.  Thirteenth Amendment.. no more slavery.  Pretty cool dude.