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The twentieth century was shaped by scientists, leaders, civil rights workers, entertainers, and so many more. Learn more about some of the influential people who molded the century, including both the heroes and the villains.
Gandhi
Mohatma Gandhi is considered the father of the Indian independence movement. Gandhi spent twenty years in South Africa working to fight discrimination. It was there that he created his concept of satyagraha. While in India, Gandhi's obvious virtue, simplistic lifestyle, and minimal dress endeared him to the people. He spent his remaining years working diligently to both remove British rule from India as well as to better the lives of India's poorest classes.
A to Z List
Looking for someone in particular? Browse through this alphabetical listing of people who shaped the twentieth century.
Howard Hughes
Howard Hughes was a businessman, a movie producer, and an aviator; however, he is perhaps best remembered for spending his later years as an eccentric, reclusive billionaire.
J. K. Rowling
J. K. Rowling is the author of the hugely popular Harry Potter books. How did she come up with the complex story of the wizarding world? Where did the name Potter come from? Who was Hermione Granger based upon? Learn more about this famous author in this biography of her life.
Leon Trotsky
Leon Trotsky was a Communist theorist, prolific writer, and a leader in the 1917 Russian Revolution. Exiled from the Soviet Union after losing a power struggle over Lenin's successorship to Stalin, Trotsky was brutally assassinated in 1940.

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