Top 10 Influential Nations and Ethnic Groups

#10: France

This Western European country has, relative to its small size, carved out one of the worlds most impressive resumes. Over the many centuries of its existence, France has played an integral part in global geopolitics, establishing its colonial empire in the 16th century and sowing its seeds the world over. Although its grip loosened considerably after the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 19th century, France has continued to maintain an outsized reputation through dissemination of its culture. Consider its contributions to art, like 19th century impressionistic painting, or even the later French New Wave films of the mid-20th century. Frances introduction of Gothic architecture, among so much more, is just another example of its important historical role.

#9: Japan

Its impossible to argue that this East Asian island nation took several major hits during World War II, subject to the only ever use of nuclear weapons in armed conflict. But, before and after, Japan has long stood out as an international symbol of progress and advancement. One of the worlds great powers, Japan has long been an innovator in the worlds of science and technology. The country pioneered digital audio recording, high-speed rail transport, and several military firsts, like the worlds original aircraft carrier. Beyond that, its soft power goes nearly unmatched by any other nation, with its visual and culinary cultures some of the most popular on the planet

#8: Germany

Speaking of the Second World War, Germanys deterioration into outright fascism has been, and will continue to be, studied for generations. Even its postwar activities saw significant societal change and upheaval, with the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall emerging as one of the most important events of the 20th century. Some of the worlds most important religious movements find their origins in whats now Germany, with Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation emerging as perhaps the most recognizable. The country also boasts historys greatest musical minds, from classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Händel, to modern-day icons like Kraftwerk. Germany can also count among its peoples achievements the invention of the cathode ray tube, bicycle, first working space rocket, and oh yeah the work of Albert Einstein.

#7: Russia

It stands to reason that the worlds largest country by geographical size would have played a major role in history. In terms of contributions to science and technology, Russia stands tall and is largely unrivalled, save for a few peers. During the 20th century, the U.S. and the former Soviet Union were locked in a tense cold war, one furiously racing the other for space travel supremacy. While Americans made the crucial step of placing a man on the moon, Soviets invented the reentry capsule, space suit, and Soyuz rocket. Most significantly of all, human spaceflight was first achieved by cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.

#6: United Kingdom

Consisting of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, this constitutional monarch currently enjoys great influence on the global stage. Historically, though, the British Empire reigned, almost totally unchallenged, as the worlds #1 superpower for centuries. Although its commitment to colonialism has faced negative reevaluation over time, it was once the biggest empire in history, controlling massive swathes of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The UK also benefited tremendously from its capacity for innovation, with 19th century inventions like the steamship and telegraph helping to maintain its dominance. Perhaps above all, the UKs greatest contribution may be the worlds most commonly spoken language English!

#5: China

From one of the cradles of civilization to one of the worlds most formidable rising powers, China has had a long, complex, and highly influential history. Long before its ascent to becoming the worlds largest manufacturer and exporter, China was instrumental in shaping the modern world through the introduction of its Four Great Inventions. Those consisted of the compass, gunpowder, papermaking, and printing, which drastically accelerated human potential for communication, navigation, and more. China also established the vital Silk Road trading routes, which paved the way for centuries of economic and cultural development. Although it has often come under international scrutiny for its perceived lack of democracy, the 21st century seems to have big things in store for China.

#4: India

Another potential superpower on the horizon, this South Asian country stands as the most populous country on Earth, dethroning previous record holder China in 2023. Throughout history, India has supplied some of the worlds most prominent and influential schools of religious thought, like Buddhism and Hinduism. India is also one of the foremost innovators in mathematics, contributing such bedrocks as algebra, negative numbers, the decimal system, and the concept of the number zero. Culturally, Indias Bollywood a portmanteau of Bombay and Hollywood has seen a massive surge in prominence in recent decades, owing to the increased presence of the Indian diaspora around the world.

#3: United States

What can we say about the worlds only remaining superpower that hasnt already been said? The overwhelming cultural strength of the United States of America has largely been attributed to its multiculturalism and diversity, serving as perhaps the worlds largest melting pot. As tallied in 2023, 136 of the worlds 500 largest companies are headquartered in the U.S., and the U.S. dollar is the most reliable reserve currency on Earth. Its a world leader in science and tech, innovating at the highest levels in several fields including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and more. We hardly even need to address American film, music, literature and more it could be argued that the culture of the United States is perhaps its most powerful export.

#2: Persian Empire

Were throwing it way back with this one. As established in Iran by Cyrus the Great in 550 BC, we have the Persian (or Achaemenid) Empire to thank for several of the basic tenets of everyday life. Before the Roman and British Empires, Cyrus Persian Empire became the biggest of its kind in history to that point. Among their myriad accomplishments, the Achaemenids pioneered the idea of government as we know it, complex road systems, and an early postal system. In what was perceived as a radical idea at the time, Cyrus treated all of his subjects with religious tolerance, allowing them to freely practice their beliefs without persecution. Hey, he wasnt called the Great for nothing

#1: Ancient Rome

We cant mention the Roman Empire without giving a shoutout to classical Greek culture, which proved to be hugely important in making ancient Rome the powerhouse that it was. To put it simply, the Roman Empire is largely responsible for Western civilization and culture, even thousands of years after it fell. The late antiquity jurist Martianus Capella is credited with establishing the liberal arts, and thinkers as diverse as Seneca the Young and Marcus Aurelius are still widely read today. They even gave us the Julian calendar, which developed over time into the Western calendar. Its scientific contributions include the sophisticated Roman aqueducts, as well as the first permanent bridges. We quite literally couldnt have done it without them.

Which nation do you think has had the biggest influence on history? Are there any we missed? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!