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Charles I
Charles I was the King of three countries before his execution in 1649. He reigned over England, Scotland, and Wales. He influenced the role of an absolute monarch. -
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Important Historical Figures
By: Reese Cooper
Period: A2 -
John Milton
John Milton was an English poet. His work captured the fall of man through biblical lenses. He spoke out in defense of free speech and became an advocate of it. -
John Locke
John Locke was a well known English philosopher and political theorist. He was the father of the social contract idea. He fought for basic human rights including liberty and right to life and property. -
Louis XIV
Louis XIV, also known as the "Sun King," was the King of France starting in 1643. He was the longest serving monarch in European history. He strengthened the power of the French monarchy during his rule. -
William Penn
William Penn was an English Quaker. He suffered from religious persecution, which inspired him to stand against it. He helped frame Pennsylvania's government, which was built on religious tolerance. -
Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz
Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz was a German mathematician, innovator, and philosopher. He was one of the biggest advocates for rationalism. He believed God created the best universe that there is. -
William III
William III, or William of Orange, was the joint King of England. He was invited by British Protestants to rule over Britain. He represented the transfer to a parliamentary democracy. -
Thomas Newcomen
Thomas Newcomen was an English inventor. He invented the first practical steam engine. It was used for pumping water out of mines, in which he made it safer and more effective. -
Pope Benedict XIV
Pope Benedict XIV was the former head of the Catholic Church in Italy. He defended the traditional Catholic doctrines and values. He reduced the burden of taxation and encouraged agriculture. -
Bach
Bach was a German composer during the Baroque period. He is known to be one of the best composers in the entire world. He created matured music. -
Voltaire
Voltaire was a French philosopher and critic. Candide was his best known work which satires social convention. He promoted Republican ideas and criticized the French monarchy. -
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. He was an important figure in the American Enlightenment. He also supported colonial unity. -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a political philosopher. His best known work is the "Social Contract." It shed light on the egalitarianism government. -
Adam Smith
Adam Smith was the father of classical economics. His work on "The Wealth of Nations" created a foundation for market economies. He promoted free trade. -
Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great was one of the greatest political leaders of her century. She improved the condition of the Russian serfs during her time of reign. She allowed Russia to become the leading force in Europe. -
George Washington
George Washington was the first president of the United States. He was a skilled leader in the military. He strongly fought against the formation of political parties. -
Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine was an English political activist. He is known for writing "Common Sense." This promoted America's escape from Great Britain and influenced the public opinion. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was the main author of the "Declaration of Independence." He was an advocate to end slavery. -
Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette was married to King Louis XVI. She was a prominent symbol of royal decadence, which led up to the French Revolution. She was killed for treason. -
King George III
King George III was the leader whom Great Britain lost to America for their independence. He was also involved with Napoleon's War. He faced mental instability at the end of his reign. -
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States. He was the leader while America was facing the Civil War. He issued the "Emancipation Proclamation" and was against slavery. -
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria ruled over Great Britain. She was in charge of the British Empire and led them successfully through battles and diplomatic issues. She contributed to the change during the Industrial Revolution. -
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was a woman who escaped slavery. She was best known for helping other slaves to freedom. She became the symbol of the anti slavery movement. -
Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson was an American poet. She was known as one of the best female poets. Her poems were centered around the theme of death and immortality. -
Mark Twain
Mark Twain was an American writer. He was famous for "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." He was known as the father of American literature. -
Claude Monet
Claude Monet was a French painter. One of his paintings led to the impressionist movement. He was known especially for his open-air scenes. -
Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison was an American inventor. He filed over 100 patents during the span of his lifetime. He invented items such as the light bulb and the phonograph. -
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda was an Indian monk. He was a major advocate for religious tolerance in India. He make major positive impacts on the ones around him and was very praised.18 -
Stephen Crane
Stephen Crane was an American writer. He was considered one of the most influential realist writers. He was able to capture the brutality of war in his work. -
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a politician. He was the person who founded the country of Pakistan. He was also a general during his time ruling over the country.