Everyone knows who were the most famous participants in World War II. But who were the most influential? Whose words and deeds had the greatest impact before, during, or after the "Big One"? And how could anyone choose a mere hundred of them to profile? If one studies any war, the natural temptation is to focus on the military and political figures who led the (usually) two sides in conflict-Athens vs. Sparta, Rome against Carthage, England and France. But this was a world war, and it involved billions of people in dozens of countries on every continent of the globe (except Antarctica). Though it officially lasted six years, the turbulent times that led to its outbreak existed for at least a decade more. While various generals, presidents, and ministers-from Eisenhower, Patton, Rommel, and Montgomery to Roosevelt, Stalin, Hitler, and Churchhill-would surely have to be included in any such "top 100" list, there were also tens of thousands less celebrated men and women who played vital roles in the 20th century's most devastating war.