In an unusual approach for a news poll, this survey consisted almost entirely of open-ended questions. Respondents were asked what and whom they'd pick as the greatest accomplishments and historical figures of the century, and then of the millennium. Thanks, Mom The entirety of the resulting lists is at least as fascinating as the top finishers. I can't forget what they instilled in me. Historians may have different answers, but these are our national heroes.
Many individual categories have overwhelmingly strong leaders.
Given the unlimited range of responses to open-ended questions, these all represent extraordinary levels of agreement. He Said, She Said There are differences among population groups in some of these choices. Men tend to be somewhat more technologically oriented. Women, meanwhile, are twice as apt as men to call John F. Kennedy the century's leading historical figure. But in every group, across age, income, education and political lines, the greatest hope for the future is for world peace.