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1543
Nicolaus Copernicus
He put forth the theory that the Sun is at rest near the center of the Universe, and that the Earth, spinning on its axis once daily, revolves annually around the Sun -
Francis Bacon
Bacon devised a method where scientists set up experiments to manipulate nature and attempt to prove their hypotheses wrong. -
Galileo Galilei
He the experimental scientific method and was the first to use a refracting telescope to make important astronomical discoveries. -
Rene Descartes
Through his specialty in mathematics, he was able to transform geometrical problems into algebra. Further, he established the x and y-axis in his algebraic drawings. -
Isaac Newton
He invented calculus and provided a clear understanding of optics. But his most significant work had to do with forces -
John Locke
His political theory of government by the consent of the governed is to protect the three natural rights of “life, liberty and estate” deeply influenced the United States' founding documents. His essays on religious tolerance provided a model for the separation of church and state. -
Montesquieu
Montesquieu's writings help to create a desire for freedom and helped to spark the French Revolution also his discussion of separation of powers and checks and balances profoundly influenced the American Founders -
Denis Diderot
Diderot was one of the originators and interpreters of the Enlightenment. -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
He is known for his work On the Social Contract, which questioned the purpose and place of government and its responsibility for its citizens. -
Voltaire
He advocated for social reform and equality. His writings gave the American Revolution and the Founding Fathers critical concepts to build a new form of government. -
James Watt
Watt steam engine had an enormous impact on 18th-century industrial society. It was both more efficient and more cost-effective than earlier. -
Adam Smith
Smith attacked government intervention in the economy and provided a blueprint for free markets and free trade. -
George Washington
Washington led the American army to victory during the Revolutionary War also despite having little practical experience in managing large, conventional armies, Washington proved to be a capable and resilient leader of the American military forces during the Revolutionary War.c -
Thomas Jefferson
He promoted the revolution by serving as an officer in the Virginia militia before becoming the governor of the independent state. On top of that, he was the man responsible for writing the Declaration of Independence, the treason of all treasons. -
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
He composed over 600 works, including some of the most famous and loved pieces of symphonic, chamber, operatic, and choral music -
Maximillien Robespierre
Robespierre served as president of the National Convention and on the Committee of Public Safety. -
Miguel Hidalgo
Hidalgo issued the “Grito de Dolores"calling for the end of Spanish rule, for racial equality, and for redistribution of land. -
Simon Bolivar
Bolívar liberated or helped liberate four territories also He established one—Bolivia—in the region formerly known as Upper Peru (1825).