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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4 results
Richard Nixon
1913–1994Modern HistoryUnited States
He opened China, ended the draft, founded the EPA — and then recorded himself discussing how to cover up a break-in and handed his enemies the evidence they needed.
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Robert E. Lee
1807–1870Industrial AgeUnited States
He turned down command of the Union army, chose Virginia instead, and spent four years fighting brilliantly for a cause whose central purpose was the preservation of slavery.
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Ronald Reagan
1911–2004Modern HistoryUnited States
He was a B-movie actor who became the most consequential American president of the late twentieth century — and the argument about how he managed it has never stopped.
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Rutherford B Hayes
1822–1893Industrial AgeUnited States
He won the most disputed presidential election in American history by a single electoral vote, withdrew federal troops from the South, and effectively ended Reconstruction.
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