People
Historical Figures and Influential People in History
Explore rulers, generals, thinkers, scientists and reformers who shaped world history. Search for a specific person, or browse by era, region, country and A–Z.
Early Modern Era Historical Figures
Use the filters on the right to narrow the figure index while keeping the main results in view.
4 results
James Watt
1736–1819EuropeUnited Kingdom
He spent years improving a machine that already existed — the adjustments he made were so significant that the world still measures power in his name.
Open profile →
Johannes Kepler
1571–1630EuropeGermany
He used his rival's painstakingly collected data — data the rival had died trying to protect — to prove that the planets moved in ellipses, not the perfect circles the universe was supposed to use.
Open profile →
John Adams
1735–1826AmericasUnited States
He spent his presidency being compared unfavourably to Washington, lost to Jefferson in a bitter re-election campaign, and had to wait until he was dead for history to decide he'd been right about more than people admitted.
Open profile →
John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute
1713–1792EuropeUnited Kingdom
He rose from royal tutor to Britain’s prime minister through personal influence over a young king, only to fall rapidly amid suspicion, hostility, and political isolation.
Open profile →