George Washington

The big one in the win column I can identify for George is that he declined greater power. People were ready to make a king or a dictator out of him and he quietly stepped aside after two terms.

Washington resisted the temptation to add powers to his office and established a model for subsequent leaders of democratic republics to follow.

Washington is far from the greatest mind on this list. Others impacted world history, science, medicine, or theology more- but Washington is a difficult figure in history to truly know and comprehend. He was painfully aware that didn't posses a mind of Adams or Jefferson. He was meticulous in his personal affairs- (Washington, unlike other famous Virginia planters, didn't owe money to British creditors) He didn't attend University to absorb all the secular Age of Reason and Enlightenment philosophy that laid the groundwork for the revolution. And he didn't leave piles of letters for posterity and legend-building unlike other Founding Fathers (who knew that their writings would be analyzed.) But unlike a Caesar or a tyrant, he simply left power and allowed for an election. (Yes, age had much to do with it but find me anyone who left such power voluntarily) Washington might be the most underrated interview on this list if you really think about it.

An important military leader -- without him, arguably no American Revolution.

Along with Abraham Lincoln, perhaps no one else in the history of the United States can be considered as such as George Washington. Without his magnificent leadership (as a general and as Commander in Chief) during critical times in the early years of this nation, we would likely cease to be the United States of America. Within the annals of recorded history? Definitely! Automatt says it most brilliantly: "--without [Washington], arguably no American Revolution."

I'll give him 5 stars for being the first President of the good old U.S. of A.

wamnkef

I can sum it all up in one sentence. No George Washington, no United States of America. His accomplishments were military and civil. He won the war and he laid down the bedrock of the national government. Many of the doctrines he established, we still follow today.

A key figure, arguably THE key figure in the Revolution and the nascent years of the republic. Not sure that translates to top level greatness in WORLD history however.

yeah... i always wondered how most americans don't see much further their own national history

Belongs among the top in world history because he fought, guided, and helped gain the independence of one of the greatest civilizations world history has seen.

First President of the greatest nation the world has ever seen.

Jefferson is more original than Washington. Time magazine also selected Jefferson as the man of the 18th century, and not Washington. Roman empire lasted longer (1000 years) and most influential during that time. To rank Washington very high I would have to wait another 1000 years and see his real influence.

Sure wish he could have found some dentures that fit better, then we could have seen him smile, smile, smile!

Aww come on everybody! He ain't that influential in the history of the world...

As the very first president of the United States, he was also called the father of our country. He was a man of high moral character and many men trusted him as being the leader of the newly established country. He gave endless dedications into the founding of this great country. He is on Mt. Rushmore, as well as a monument dedicated to him in the capital of this country, and is on the currency we use. He will be a man that will never be forgotten.

Throughout the history of revolution, it was only Washington that fought it truly for the people and not the glory. Unlike Napoleon, Ceasar, Lenin, Castro and Cromwell, Washington declined and fought against deification and idolization. And like no one else in history, he voluntarily stepped down from power. Washington didn't just define America's presidency- he was also responsible for the creation of the nation- without his leadership in the continental army, the US would not exist, and by extension, no example for the French Revolution, the revolutions in Central and South America, in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Both in the context of American and world history, Washington's importance cannot be questioned. He was particularly instrumental in achieving American victory during the Revolutionary War, insomuch as he was a strong leader who sustained the vitality of the cause and saw us through. As our first President, he established an important precedent that distinguished the American Presidency from the traditional monarchial governments by declining to run for a third term. Without him, it is questionable that the nation would've survived those early years.

great man!

His involvement in the beginning of one of the greatest powers in the history of the world qualifies him as one of the top historical figures.

Overall he seems to be underated by history, considering he was our first President and actually fought and contributed to the building of our great nation.

George Washington influenced every man he came in touch with. To demonstrate this point I shall tell you a brief story. It was near the end of the war and Congress could not pay the militia men. They were about to go home when Washington called a meeting to try and convince them to stay. He gave a rousing speech about loyalty and patriotism, but it wasn't working. At the end, he took out a pair of glasses and placed on the bridge of his nose. Many of the men were surprised, they did not know Washington wore glasses. Forgive me, Washington said. I fear that while in your service your old commander has gone blind. With this humble motion, Washington convinced his men to stay without pay. This, ladies and gentlemen, is influence. He was able to influence me to do the right thing without force, or money, or bribery. He inspired, encouraged, and taught and in doing so influenced his men to fight one more day. Washington, somehow unbeknowest to me, kept a country together for the first eight... Read more

MVP of the 18th Century.

With the good news that Yasser Arafat(Hitler) is dead,Washington,regardless of whatever his personal weaknesses may have been, is an even greater,more moral revolutionary-timing is everything.

One of the most important politicians not only in this country but the world. His influence can still be felt every time there is an election and a peaceful transfer of government. He set the precedent of leaders serving the governed.