Terms | Privacy | Copyright | FAQ
©2005-2018 TheTopTens® All rights reserved.
Most Significant People In American History
greatesttop10sThe Top Ten
1 George Washington
George Washington was the first President of the United States, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
George Washington was the first President of the United States, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Good guy, likes wood too much, but overall decent I think he cannot tell a lie or maybe that's his friend either way cool guy as long as your not black. RIP georgie
Guided America through much of its early years. He had an immense devotion to his country and did everything he could to help his country.
Washington is the reason America stands. - naFrovivuS
This is LITTARAY amercia right here.he basicly is the god of america.
V 2 Comments
2 Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. Lincoln led the United States its bloodiest war and its greatest moral, constitutional, and political crisis.
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. Lincoln led the United States its bloodiest war and its greatest moral, constitutional, and political crisis. Stopped the civil war.
He is my favorite president of all time he freed the
slaves
3 Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American Baptist minister, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American Baptist minister, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. A great figure and significant to be sure, deserving of the top 10. However, not the top 5, certainly not ahead of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, Eisenhower, etc.
He made America not racist but Donald trump made America and ruined it all
Helpful and significant for his ¨I got a dream speech¨
4 Neil Armstrong
Neil Alden Armstrong was an American astronaut and aeronautical engineer who was the first person to walk on the Moon. He was also a naval aviator, test pilot, and university professor.
Neil Alden Armstrong was an American astronaut and aeronautical engineer who was the first person to walk on the Moon. He was also a naval aviator, test pilot, and university professor. So sad that American schools no longer talk much about this great human being, who holds such significance to the entire human species.
First human being to leave the planet and walk on another world.
In 10,000 years, this will be the ONLY thing from our time that is remembered.
Walked on the MOON.
5 Susan B. Anthony
Susan Brownell Anthony was an American social reformer and women's rights activist who played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement.
Susan Brownell Anthony was an American social reformer and women's rights activist who played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement.
6 Franklin Roosevelt
Started social security, many welfare programs, and pushed America further toward socialism. He was a bad president, but important.
No president dealt with more pressure than him
7 Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II served as the 44th president of the United States of America. He was elected in 2008 after serving in the Senate from 2005-08, beating John McCain and becoming the first African-American to be elected President of the United States. He was elected again in 2012, beating Mitt ...read more.
Barack Hussein Obama II served as the 44th president of the United States of America. He was elected in 2008 after serving in the Senate from 2005-08, beating John McCain and becoming the first African-American to be elected President of the United States. He was elected again in 2012, beating Mitt ...read more. I think history will be very kind to this man. We're already starting to appreciate how good he was, and he's only been gone two months.
Never really seemed to like America very much.
Okay, how is Obama more important than Eisenhower and Reagan.
I'm no to thrilled over immigrants recieving more help than us but it is pretty nobel to give possible enemies a chance at a better life
V 4 Comments
8 John F. Kennedy
John Fitzgerald Kennedy (Born May 29th, 1917) commonly referred to by his initials JFK, was an American politician who served as the 35th President of the United States from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Nuclear Test Ban ...read more.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy (Born May 29th, 1917) commonly referred to by his initials JFK, was an American politician who served as the 35th President of the United States from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Nuclear Test Ban ...read more.
9 Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was an American Founding Father who was principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and served as the 3rd President of the United States from 1801-1809. He was born on April 13, 1743, and died on July 4, 1826, on the same day 2nd United States President John Adams died.
Thomas Jefferson was an American Founding Father who was principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and served as the 3rd President of the United States from 1801-1809. He was born on April 13, 1743, and died on July 4, 1826, on the same day 2nd United States President John Adams died. Yes, do read some books different than those required by left-leaning commie college instructors, comrade.
Jefferson did a lot on the constitution. Saying Neil Armstrong and Martin Luther are higher is bullcrap. Neil Armstrong is a dumbo who was just physically fit enough to get on the the moon. READ A BOOK SIMPLETONS
10 Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat.
Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat.The Contenders
11 Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt was an American statesman, author, explorer, soldier, naturalist, and reformer who served as the 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909. As a leader of the Republican Party during this time, he became a driving force for the Progressive Era in the United States in the ...read more.
Theodore Roosevelt was an American statesman, author, explorer, soldier, naturalist, and reformer who served as the 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909. As a leader of the Republican Party during this time, he became a driving force for the Progressive Era in the United States in the ...read more. My role model
The Rough Rider President
Boosted the economy
He is now rolling over in his grave every time Donald Trump opens his stupid fat mouth
12 Steve Jobs
Steven Paul Jobs (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011) was an American entrepreneur and business magnate. He was the chairman, chief executive officer (CEO), and a co-founder of Apple Inc., chairman and majority shareholder of Pixar, a member of The Walt Disney Company's board of directors following ...read more.
Steven Paul Jobs (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011) was an American entrepreneur and business magnate. He was the chairman, chief executive officer (CEO), and a co-founder of Apple Inc., chairman and majority shareholder of Pixar, a member of The Walt Disney Company's board of directors following ...read more. Steve Jobs the only reason the iPhone was invented.
He is pretty cool. I’m glad that he was a person. Love iOS and my iPhone which would not be there if he was not.
13 Rosa Parks
Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was an African American civil rights activist, whom the United States Congress called "the first lady of civil rights" and "the mother of the freedom movement".
Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was an African American civil rights activist, whom the United States Congress called "the first lady of civil rights" and "the mother of the freedom movement".
14 Henry Ford
Henry Ford was an American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and the sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production.
Henry Ford was an American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and the sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production. He was severly racist
15 Harriett Tubman
16 Nikola Tesla
Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, physicist, and futurist best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current electricity supply system, X rays, Radio, Remote Control, Laser, and Electric motors. Tesla developed and used ...read more.
Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, physicist, and futurist best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current electricity supply system, X rays, Radio, Remote Control, Laser, and Electric motors. Tesla developed and used ...read more. In my opinion he should be in the top ten. sure he wasn't AS important as Abraham or Washington but still if it weren't for him we would not be the powerful industrial nation we are today. Tomas Edison was important if he hadn't lied to Tesla, Tesla wouldn't have been as driven. Edison did not invent anything.
Tesla is a real inspiration. Edison was a big fat fraud and tore this pore man down. World would be much better if we followed Tesla's way of thinking.
Tesla the greatest genius of all time.
Edison was the fraud.
17 Thomas Edison
Thomas Alva Edison was an American inventor and businessman, who has been described as America's greatest inventor.
Thomas Alva Edison was an American inventor and businessman, who has been described as America's greatest inventor. Should not be on this list. This man is a fraud.
Revisionist history at work.
18 John Adams
John Adams was born on October 30, 1735 in Quincy, Massachusetts, United States. Adams served as the president of the United States from March 4, 1797 to March 4, 1801. He died on July 4, 1826 at the age of 90.
John Adams was born on October 30, 1735 in Quincy, Massachusetts, United States. Adams served as the president of the United States from March 4, 1797 to March 4, 1801. He died on July 4, 1826 at the age of 90.
19 Bill Clinton
William Jefferson Clinton (Born August 19th 1946) is an American politician who was the 42nd President of the United States. He previously served as governor of Arkansas. He became president after unseating incumbent president George H.W. Bush in 1992. He was re-elected in 1996 after defeating Senator ...read more.
William Jefferson Clinton (Born August 19th 1946) is an American politician who was the 42nd President of the United States. He previously served as governor of Arkansas. He became president after unseating incumbent president George H.W. Bush in 1992. He was re-elected in 1996 after defeating Senator ...read more.
20 Alexander Hamilton
For a guy to have a hit play after him, he would be an amazing contender.
21 Richard Nixon
Richard Milhous Nixon was the 37th President of the United States from 1969 until his resignation in 1974, the only president to resign from office. He had previously served as the 36th Vice President of the United States from 1953 to 1961, and prior to that as a U.S. Representative and also Senator ...read more.
Richard Milhous Nixon was the 37th President of the United States from 1969 until his resignation in 1974, the only president to resign from office. He had previously served as the 36th Vice President of the United States from 1953 to 1961, and prior to that as a U.S. Representative and also Senator ...read more.
22 Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson was an American statesman who served as the seventh President of the United States from 1829 to 1837 . He was born near the end of the colonial era, somewhere near the then-unmarked border between North and South Carolina, into a recently immigrated Scots-Irish farming family of relatively ...read more.
Andrew Jackson was an American statesman who served as the seventh President of the United States from 1829 to 1837 . He was born near the end of the colonial era, somewhere near the then-unmarked border between North and South Carolina, into a recently immigrated Scots-Irish farming family of relatively ...read more.
23 Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman was the 33rd President of the United States, an American politician of the Democratic Party.
Harry S. Truman was the 33rd President of the United States, an American politician of the Democratic Party.
24 Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was an American musician and actor. Known as "The King" He was mostly known for his number 1 singles including "Heartbreak Hotel" "Hound Dog" "Jailhouse Rock" "Love me Tender" Elvis debuted in the movie "Love me Tender" and focused less on his music and continued that way. ...read more.
Elvis Presley was an American musician and actor. Known as "The King" He was mostly known for his number 1 singles including "Heartbreak Hotel" "Hound Dog" "Jailhouse Rock" "Love me Tender" Elvis debuted in the movie "Love me Tender" and focused less on his music and continued that way. ...read more. Elvis opened the doors for black music to white people. B.B King, Rufus Thomas ( who was the first DJ to play his records on a black radiostation ), James Brown, Little Richard etc... all said it. He made black music popular wich was separated in the fifties. In popular culture he has moved things forward. He was an inspiration for new haircuts, clothes and many more. The start of modern teen music starts with him. His first gold record " Heartbreak Hotel " was written by him in collaboration with Mae Axton ( for those who say that he never wrote anything, he has written also other few songs ). He has never " stole " any song. Covers of existing songs were common in those days. He even financed Arthur Crudup's recording sessions with FIRE RECORDS ( the writer of " That's allright ", " My baby left me ", " So glad you're mine " ). Black songwriters and singers like Otis Blackwell ( " Don't be cruel ", " All shook up "... ) wrote songs especially for Elvis Presley ( even if Elvis ...more
Not only significant for the USA but also significant for the world. He was the first real teen idol who exported rock and roll and a style outside the USA. Without him all other " fathers of rock and roll " would have never sold records besides their own country.
Elvis was a talentless idiot who stole all his songs.
25 Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple Black (April 23, 1928 – February 10, 2014) was an American actress, singer, dancer, businesswoman, and diplomat who was Hollywood's number one box-office draw as a child actress from 1935 to 1938. As an adult, she was named United States ambassador to Ghana and to Czechoslovakia and ...read more.
Shirley Temple Black (April 23, 1928 – February 10, 2014) was an American actress, singer, dancer, businesswoman, and diplomat who was Hollywood's number one box-office draw as a child actress from 1935 to 1938. As an adult, she was named United States ambassador to Ghana and to Czechoslovakia and ...read more. She was a child actress.
26 Elizabeth Cady Stanton
27 James Madison
James Madison, Jr. was a political theorist, American statesman, and served as the fourth President of the United States.
James Madison, Jr. was a political theorist, American statesman, and served as the fourth President of the United States. Three Words:Father of the Constitution
28 Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911-2004) was an American politician and actor who was 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989 . Prior to his presidency, he was the 33rd Governor of California from 1967 to 1975, following a career as a Hollywood actor and union leader until his death in 2004
Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911-2004) was an American politician and actor who was 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989 . Prior to his presidency, he was the 33rd Governor of California from 1967 to 1975, following a career as a Hollywood actor and union leader until his death in 2004
29 Woodrow Wilson
Thomas Woodrow Wilson was an American politician and academic who served as the 28th President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. Born in Staunton, Virginia, he spent his early years in Augusta, Georgia and Columbia, South Carolina.
Thomas Woodrow Wilson was an American politician and academic who served as the 28th President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. Born in Staunton, Virginia, he spent his early years in Augusta, Georgia and Columbia, South Carolina.
30 King George III
31 Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower was an American politician and general who served as the 34th President of the United States from 1953 until 1961. He was a five-star general in the United States Army during World War II and served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe.
Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower was an American politician and general who served as the 34th President of the United States from 1953 until 1961. He was a five-star general in the United States Army during World War II and served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. Saved the world as the commander of Allied forces during World War 2, then was presided over an amazing period of prosperity and growth in the USA.
32 Robert Oppenheimer
Headed the Manhattan Project.
33 Bill Gates
William Henry "Bill" Gates III is an American business magnate, entrepreneur, philanthropist, investor, and programmer.
William Henry "Bill" Gates III is an American business magnate, entrepreneur, philanthropist, investor, and programmer.
34 Charles Lindburgh
Being the first person in the world to fly "solo" across the Atlantic Ocean was the equivalent of going to the moon in the 1920's.
35 Orville & Wilbur Wright
Only slightly less significant than going to the moon; these two brothers were the first with powered flight.
36 Ted Bundy
Theodore Robert Bundy was an American serial killer, kidnapper, rapist, and necrophile who assaulted and murdered numerous young women and girls during the 1970s and possibly earlier.
Theodore Robert Bundy was an American serial killer, kidnapper, rapist, and necrophile who assaulted and murdered numerous young women and girls during the 1970s and possibly earlier.
37 Sam Walton
38 John Muir
39 Meriwether Lewis & William Clark
40 Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant was an American soldier and statesman who served as Commanding General of the Army and the 18th President of the United States, the highest positions in the military and the government of the United States.
Ulysses S. Grant was an American soldier and statesman who served as Commanding General of the Army and the 18th President of the United States, the highest positions in the military and the government of the United States. Later elected President, but his most significant contribution was as the victorious Commanding General of the Union Army during the Civil War.
41 Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Gail Winfrey is an American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist.
Oprah Gail Winfrey is an American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist.
42 Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.
Highest-ranking military officer [Brigadier General] actually on the beach, taking fire at Normandy Beach on D-Day in 1944.
His experience, skill and command was vital to achieving victory that day.
Although he survived the battle, he died less than a month later.
Was portrayed by Henry Fonda in the movie "The Longest Day".
43 Condoleezza Rice
All polls indicate that she could easily win the next election for governor of California, but she keeps saying that she does not intend to run for that office.
Was rated "Most Powerful Woman in the World" by Forbes magazine in 2004 and 2005, and ranked #2 in 2006.
44 LeBron James
LeBron Raymone James is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. LeBron has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and the Lakers.
LeBron Raymone James is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. LeBron has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and the Lakers.
45 John Quincy Adams
46 John Hancock
47 James Monroe
James Monroe was an American statesman and Founding Father who served as the fifth President of the United States from 1817 to 1825.
James Monroe was an American statesman and Founding Father who served as the fifth President of the United States from 1817 to 1825.
48 James K. Polk
I don't like this president but he was important to U.S. History
49 Paul Revere
Paul Revere was an American silversmith, engraver, early industrialist, and a Patriot in the American Revolution.
Paul Revere was an American silversmith, engraver, early industrialist, and a Patriot in the American Revolution.
50 Thomas Paine
PSearch List
Featured
Popular
Latest
Related Lists
The Most Historically Significant Battles In History
Most Significant Wars In Human History
Most Significant Years In Punk Rock History
Most Significant Things/People In Life
Most Significant Thinkers and Philosophers of Middle Eastern Descent
List Stats
200 votes
130 listings
4 years, 134 days old
130 listings
4 years, 134 days old
Top Remixes (4)
1. Martin Luther King Jr.2. Susan B. Anthony
3. Steve Jobs
htoutlaws2012
1. George Washington2. Abraham Lincoln
3. Martin Luther King Jr.
FavoriteFightingFrenchman
1. George Washington2. Martin Luther King Jr.
3. Abraham Lincoln
greatesttop10s
View All 4
Error Reporting
See a factual error in these listings? Report it here.