The most influential European of the 20th Century

[Banshee7]

Who do you believe was the most influential European of the 20th century, and why?

This is a class project coming up in my 20th Century Europe class.  I'd like to see what you guys have to say, especially since there are several Europeans here.

#S#



Josh

[APDrone]

I vote for Albert Einstein.

E=MC*C

[mthrockmor]

Not even close: Hitler.

His actions completely define and set the stage for the following 70 years for all of Europe. Even now with all the talk of bailing out Greece with a Eurobond this tracks back to German aggression during WW2 and German dominance sinc. The French still don't take a dump without wondering what the boss thinks.

Boo

[curry1]

Not even close: Hitler.

His actions completely define and set the stage for the following 70 years for all of Europe. Even now with all the talk of bailing out Greece with a Eurobond this tracks back to German aggression during WW2 and German dominance sinc. The French still don't take a dump without wondering what the boss thinks.

Boo

Indeed.  Einstein wouldn't be as big a factor without Hitler.  Well it is hard to tell.  Einstein wouldn't have came to the US and stimulated the Manhattan project without Hitler's prejudices.  Perhaps Einstein would of did equally great things in germany?

Still Hitler is easily the answer.

[Masherbrum]

Sir Winston Churchill.

Runner Up: Lech Wałęsa

[curry1]

Sir Winston Churchill.

Runner Up: Lech Wałęsa

But wouldn't you say that Hitler stimulated his greatness?

[wil3ur]

Sir Digby Chicken Caesar

[Tupac]

Zack1234 


He taught us about angst and dealing with unexpected difficulties in the relationship department.

[Tac]

Nikola Tesla.


Without him electronics in any way would not exist.

[wil3ur]

Nikola Tesla.


Without him electronics in any way would not exist.

...or the HAARP Death Ray             

[Tank-Ace]

Hitler, without a doubt.

His actions sparked a war the convlused the entire world for 5 years. How many millions dead? How many more left homless, how many nations disappeared from the map as a result of that war? That war helped spurr the development of a weapon so terrible that its only twice been used in anger. It litterally set the stage for the cold war and the arms race. It helped establish the USA as a superpower. German rocket technology helped us reach space.


So many things can be traced back to him.

[Guppy35]

Stalin might give old Adolf a run for his money considering he lasted longer and certainly influenced Hitler's decision making

[Rob52240]

Nikola Tesla, beyond a doubt.

[uptown]

  Hitler?! Hitler was a failure with 1 nut and bugs in the brain.

 Dwight D. Eisenhower or Ronald Reagan was the most influential men of the last century IMO.

[AKKuya]

Ferdinand Porsche[2] (3 September 1875 – 30 January 1951)

I'm not a car guy.  I do respect those who take lemons and make Lamborghinis (Volkswagon owns Lamborghini and Porsce started Volkswagon).  He with American Henry Ford, both changed how humans relied on the horseless carriage for everyday needs.

Some men may be charasmatic to start aggression and others to defend from aggression.  It takes the thinkers and tinkers to make war happen.  After the wars are over, to use that experience and create peaceful pursuits that everyday people utilize fosters a great accomplishment.

Take these suggestions and choose one that will fit your needs or choose someone not listed.