- Who is the greatest statesman of the century?
- Who is the greatest military commander of the century?
- Whom would you name the greatest hero of the century?
- Who was the most significant woman of the century?
- Who is the greatest inventor…?
- Which is the most useful invention/discovery?
- The greatest historical event…?
- The most important battle?
- The greatest deed of civilization?
- What was the happiest period of time in this century?
- The unhappiest period?
- Who were the two greatest Berliners?
Responses:
1. Bismarck (Baron vom Stein got a few dozen votes; Gladstone mentioned)
2. Napoleon (3300 votes); Moltke (3000); “alcoholism” because it conquers all generals.
3. Wilhelm I (2400); Bismarck (1600): Stanley, Garibaldi mentioned; Dr. Mueller of Vienna nominated himself.
4. Queen Luise of Prussia (2100); Queen Victoria (800); George Sand
5. Edison; Stephenson, Morse, Fulton, Howe distant runners-up
6. The railroad; also mentioned electric power, steamship, telegraph, x-ray
7. German unification (some say defeat of Napoleon; a few, the Revolution of 1848)
8. Battle of Leipzig (4300); Sedan (2000)
9. Slave emancipation (a close second, colonialism); social legislation of the Reich; Suez Canal
10. The majority, 1871-1900; a close second, 1871-1880
11. 1806-1812; a few, 1815-1848; 1867-73; 1848, 1878-1890
12. Alexander von Humboldt (1500); Wilhelm I (1200); Wilhelm II mentioned.
