History Western Civilization ESSAY 8-12?

Question

So I have to an essay on an influential person from Western Civilization

any ideas

who ever comes up with the best idea and reason I would give you the points

From up to 1650

anyone from the beginning of western civilization to 1650

Answer 1

Wish I knew what time period you are referring to, but I still have some ideas.

Nero - he burned down Rome, and was crazy

Caligula - relative of Nero, also crazy, famous for lighting the streets of Rome with Christians as torches

Voltaire - one of the fathers of the enlightenment, he hung out with Catherine the Great, Fredrick III (?) of Prussia, and was one of the key advocates for raising up the middle class.

My recommendation, pick someone that not many people have heard about, but whom there is lots of info for. Use the index of your book and read the excerpts that address people who catch your eye.

Answer 2

I like Benjamin Franklin. We know so little about him anymore, other than the bit with the kite and the lightning. But in his lifetime he was the most famous man in the world. He was a renowned scientist, scholar and diplomat, a very successful businessman, and an influential American patriot. He almost singlehandedly persuaded the French to support the American Revolution and played a large role in convincing the British people of the justice of the American cause. He lived a very long life at a time when that was rare and was revered around the world. he deserves to be better remembered.

Answer 3

You don't say if the person has to have a positive or negative influence on Western Civilisation. If it can be negative, I'd go for Adolf Hitler. Because of him, World War II and the Holocaust happened, the Soviet Union became a Super Power, Germany was divided into East and West Germany and Eastern Europe fell under Communist domination for 50 years, the Cold War started, the Arms Race started, the Space Race started, men landed on the moon (the Apollo rockets were designed by Hitler's rocket scientist Werner Von Braun), etc. etc.

Answer 4

Martin Luther. He changed Western Civilization forever.

Christopher Columbus, likewise.