Who do you think had the greatest influence on the United States?

Question

Why do you think they had the greatest influence?

Answer 1

You have placed your question within the context of the ‘United States’ which didn’t exist until the ratification of the Constitution. So, influence would have to be limited initially to those involved with bringing the Constitution to life and those who influenced them.

Clearly this includes such individuals as:
Thomas Paine,
Thomas Jefferson,
Benjamin Franklin
James Madison,
Alexander Hamilton,
George Washington.
These individuals were key in the writing of the Constitution which provided the foundation for the United States.

In addition there were those who influenced the thinking of these individuals such as:

John Locke,
Adam Smith,
Montesquieu.
These individuals (and there writings) can be considered the primary education for the Founders as to how government works.

However, Abraham Lincoln would also have to be included because he represents a major change in how the federal government interpreted the Constitution and the relationship between the federal government and the States. This change transferred power from the States to the federal government so that the federal government could increasingly act in extra-constitutional manners. Because of this we lived today in ways "not" invisioned by the Founders.

Answer 2

Oliver Cromwell because he made conditions in England so miserable for the Puritans. Goody for prudish fanatics being the major influence on our culture!

Answer 3

The earlier presidents because they did a lot. For instance George Wasington helped us in battle and Abraham Lincoln made a good statement on african americans. etc.

Answer 4

The British.

Answer 5

The Indians
Without them the Pilgrims would have starved to death