Discover the Figures Who Shaped History

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Albert Einstein

Theoretical Physicist

Albert Einstein (1879–1955) reshaped modern physics. His works on special (1905) and general relativity (1915), the photoelectric effect, Brownian motion, mass–energy equivalence (E = mc²), and quantum statistics (Bose–Einstein) transformed science and our concept of nature. Awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics (conferred in 1922) for explaining the photoelectric effect, he was also an engaged public intellectual on peace, civil rights, and scientific responsibility.

1879–1955

Theoretical physicist University professor Science author +2

Louis XIV

King of France and Navarre

Louis XIV (1638–1715), the Sun King, ruled for 72 years—the longest verified reign of any European monarch. He centralized royal authority, built a formidable standing army and navy, reshaped France’s administration and finances, patronized the arts, and turned Versailles into the political and cultural stage of Europe, while prolonged wars rebalanced European power.

1638–1715

King of France Absolute monarch Military leader +1

Napoleon Bonaparte

General, First Consul and Emperor of the French

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821), military genius and reformer, became Emperor of the French and reshaped France and Europe through war and law. He created the Napoleonic Code, defeated coalitions across Europe, and left a global legacy.

1769–1821

Emperor of the French Military Leader First Consul +3