one of the top three of the 20th century, but a relatively minor figure in world history. he didn't invent hate, and the only reason he rates a mention is because he was able to use 20th century technology to kill the people he hated. stalin actually killed more of his people than hitler did.

Hitler should be in the top 10, but not #1. First, other influential people in history have killed more, and in equally horrible ways. The history of man is filled with genocide. Even the US itself was built on a planned genocide of the Native Americans through such means as small pox infection. Second, Hitler was just the representative of a popular belief in Germany at that time, a belief born from the extreme inflation and depression they suffered due to our own mistakes in ending WWI. Hitler himself is not as evil as the belief system that allowed him to come to power!!! Third, Hitler's influence really only extends to the 20th century and beyond. Compared to many on this list, he was born too late to be considered the most influential throughout world history.

i think this is a more intersting topic...when you look at this roster of influences..you see jesus leading off and hitler batting second...that is wierd...you go from a guy who created the christian religion to a man who lead an army to murder more than 6 million ppl becuz of their beliefs and skin color..its almost eerie

Loses star because Europe didn't learn much from his savagery. Amazing.

Yes, he changed the world and is an important figure historically, but I still can't help regarding him with disgust and horror. This piece of human s**t should never have been born. I will say, however, that he was an eloquent writer judging from the fragments of Mein Kampf that I mannaged to stomach..that was the problem- he was educated and able to express his horribly wrong ideas in such an eloquent and convincing way that so many Germans were foooled and brainwashed into agreeing with this raving lunatic. I give him a 4 for being an important historical figure, but he's definitely a one as a person, if even that.

heil hitler! (thank PBeavr!) 'hitler filmmaker' Leni Riefenstahl died at 10.50pm on late monday. she was born August 22,1902 in Berlin & she lived in Munich.