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 Figures in Europe
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3 results
James Watt
1736–1819United 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.
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Johannes Kepler
1571–1630Germany
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.
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John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute
1713–1792United 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.
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