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.
Historical Figures from Americas
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5 results
Barack Obama
1961–?Modern HistoryUnited States
He ran for president two years into his first Senate term, won on a message of hope, and spent eight years discovering what hope costs in practice.
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Benjamin Franklin
1706–1790Early Modern EraUnited States
He flew a kite in a thunderstorm, charmed the French court, and helped write a declaration that started a revolution — and still found time to invent bifocals.
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Benjamin Harrison
1833–1901Industrial AgeUnited States
He won the presidency with fewer votes than his opponent, served a single quiet term, then lost to the same man four years later.
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Bill Clinton
1946–?Modern HistoryUnited States
He governed through a decade of prosperity, survived impeachment, and left office with the highest approval ratings of any departing president — and the most complicated legacy.
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Bonar Law
1858–1923Industrial AgeCanada
He spent years as the hard-edged organiser behind Conservative revival, then finally reached Downing Street only to be driven out almost at once by terminal illness.
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