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By Jennifer Rosenberg, About.com Guide to 20th Century History

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.

  1. Artists & Writers
  2. Aviation & Space
  3. Criminals & Spies
  1. Scientists & Inventors
  2. U.S. Presidents
  3. World Leaders & Revolutionaries

Artists & Writers

Andy Warhol

Whether they paint, draw, sculpt, write, or photograph, artists and writers make us look at the world in a different way.

Aviation & Space

Laika, the First Animal in Space

Leaving the ground far below them, these men and women traveled into the skies to explore areas as yet unknown.

Criminals & Spies

A picture of Bonnie Parker jokingly pointing a gun at her lover, Clyde Barrow.

Some people who made an impact on the 20th century did so not by good deeds, but rather by their crimes. These crimes included stealing, spying, rape, and mass murder.

Scientists & Inventors

A picture of the wax figure of scientist Albert Einstein at Madame Tussaud's.

From the creation of atomic bombs to Henry Ford's use of the assembly line, science and inventions dominated both the lives of individuals and the interactions of people around the world in the 20th century.

U.S. Presidents

A portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

There have been 18 presidents who have led the United States within the 20th century. The country has changed and been molded under their leadership. Learn more about these influential men through these resources.

World Leaders & Revolutionaries

Portrait of Adolf Hitler

Some were strong; others were weak. Some were good; others were bad. Learn more about the men and women around the world who were leaders during the 20th century.

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