So-so

Washington is far from the greatest mind on this list. Others impacted world history, science, medicine, or theology more- but Washington is a difficult figure in history to truly know and comprehend. He was painfully aware that didn't posses a mind of Adams or Jefferson. He was meticulous in his personal affairs- (Washington, unlike other famous Virginia planters, didn't owe money to British creditors) He didn't attend University to absorb all the secular Age of Reason and Enlightenment philosophy that laid the groundwork for the revolution. And he didn't leave piles of letters for posterity and legend-building unlike other Founding Fathers (who knew that their writings would be analyzed.) But unlike a Caesar or a tyrant, he simply left power and allowed for an election. (Yes, age had much to do with it but find me anyone who left such power voluntarily) Washington might be the most underrated interview on this list if you really think about it.

I'll give him 5 stars for being the first President of the good old U.S. of A.

wamnkef

I can sum it all up in one sentence. No George Washington, no United States of America.

His accomplishments were military and civil.

He won the war and he laid down the bedrock of the national government. Many of the doctrines he established, we still follow today.

A key figure, arguably THE key figure in the Revolution and the nascent years of the republic. Not sure that translates to top level greatness in WORLD history however.

His military mind was absolutely integral in winning the American Revolution. But I don't think that he was the most influential of the Founders. Madison, Jefferson, and Adams were the ones that established the intellectual basis behind the Republic, all of whom took their queue from European Enlightenment thinkers like David Hume, John Locke and Montesquieu.

yeah... i always wondered how most americans don't see much further their own national history

Aww come on everybody! He ain't that influential in the history of the world...

George Washington influenced every man he came in touch with. To demonstrate this point I shall tell you a brief story. It was near the end of the war and Congress could not pay the militia men. They were about to go home when Washington called a meeting to try and convince them to stay. He gave a rousing speech about loyalty and patriotism, but it wasn't working. At the end, he took out a pair of glasses and placed on the bridge of his nose. Many of the men were surprised, they did not know Washington wore glasses. Forgive me, Washington said. I fear that while in your service your old commander has gone blind. With this humble motion, Washington convinced his men to stay without pay. This, ladies and gentlemen, is influence. He was able to influence me to do the right thing without force, or money, or bribery. He inspired, encouraged, and taught and in doing so influenced his men to fight one more day. Washington, somehow unbeknowest to me, kept a country together for the first eight years of its life all while using a brand new, never been used governmental system. He gave the world the United States of America, and if that's not influence, tell me what is.

MVP of the 18th Century.

With the good news that Yasser Arafat(Hitler) is dead,Washington,regardless of whatever his personal weaknesses may have been, is an even greater,more moral revolutionary-timing is everything.

One of the most important politicians not only in this country but the world. His influence can still be felt every time there is an election and a peaceful transfer of government. He set the precedent of leaders serving the governed.