Though a whole lot of single people may get credit for some of the most pivotal events in human history — Augustus landing praise for the Roman Empire’s success, People thinking Neil Armstrong landed on the moon by himself — it takes a lot more than one person to change the world.
For example, did you know that a group of Canadian soldiers stopped Russia from winning World War I? Or that some of the 20th century's greatest artistic minds stemmed from a long-running lunch club?
From the coding overlords behind Grand Theft Auto to the handful of quick-witted early humans that survived a near-mass extinction so we could be here today, here are 20 groups of people that had a massive impact on human history.
1
The Vikings
“Oh, won't anyone think of the Vikings??? They raided all over coastal Europe, and settled difficult places like Iceland, Greenland, and even Newfoundland (briefly). All in a big open rowboat in very cold waters that are unforgiving.” —simiancanadian
2
The cast of 'The Wizard of Oz'
Jack Haley, Judy Garland, Ray Bolger and Bert Lahr as their respective characters in 1939’s The Wizard Of Oz. This was one of the earliest color films in Hollywood history.
3
President Barack Obama and His National Security Team Ahead Of Osama Bin Laden’s Death
4
Ancient Philosophers
“Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. Some people seem to just think of them as philosophers, which is true but their notions of justice and government are what Greeks, the Romans and most Western nations today have used to shape their cultures/societies.” —ShivasKratom3
5
The Cheyenne Dog Soldiers
“Cheyenne Dog Soldiers had a pretty good reputation: Part of a militaristic band of the Cheyenne, they would tether themselves to a piece of ground with a sacred arrow, and they would fight there until they died or killed all enemies around them.” —dpeterso
6
The Algonquin Round Table
Throughout the 1920s, a group of artistically-minded pals would meet at New York City’s Algonquin Hotel to talk shop, catch up and share ideas. Nearly all the members of this lunch bunch went on to reach fame and success, a list including Dorothy Parker, Harpo Marx, and George S. Kaufman.
7
The Original Devs Behind ‘Grand Theft Auto’
“This is the team that developed the very first GTA game in 1997.” —u/waitingforthesun92
8
Canadian Forces In World War I
“The Canadian Army at Ypres in WWI. Holding off a German attack and closing a 4 mile gap in the line while breathing through urine soaked handkerchiefs and socks to counter the chlorine gas.” — fj555
9
The Survivors of the Pleistocene Bottleneck
“Most likely the 1,200 survivors of the Pleistocene bottleneck had the largest impact on human history, even though the science on it is still rough (and might still be disproven). But if it is true, then homosapiens was reduced to under 10,000 people for a long period. And that would totally take the crown.” – Temponautics
10
The Apollo 11 Crew
Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Michael Collins Ahead of NASA’s Apollo 11 Mission, which marked the first time humans had ever stepped foot on the moon.
11
Microsoft’s Early Team (1978)
12
Genghis Khan And His Army
"My vote is for Genghis Khan. About 1 in 200 people are his direct patrilineal descendants. You could go back to Ug Glook if you wanted to, but Genghis Khan tops when considering the biggest and most recent impact." —Makeitstopgoshdarnit
13
NASA Employees celebrating after their Perseverance rover landed on Mars in 2021
14
The Anonymous Society of Painters, Sculptors, Printmakers
Featuring members like Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, the Anonymous Society of Painters, Sculptors and Printmakers is credited with launching the impressionist movement 1874.
15
The Founding Fathers, as depicted in 1819’s “Declaration of Independence”
16
The Montgomery Improvement Association
Featuring famous members like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) played a critical role in the Civil Rights movement during the 1960s. Determined “to improve race relations, and to uplift the general tenor of the community,” the group is credited with bringing widespread attention to racial segregation.
17
The "Chicago 7" as depicted during a 1970 press conference
18
The Beatles after landing in the United States, 1964
19
The United States Hockey Team after defeating the Soviet Union in the "Miracle on Ice" during the 1980 Olympics.
20
Wilbur and Orville Wright shortly after completing the first powered flight, 1903
