The United Kingdom's empire may have faded into the history books, but there is no doubt that in all aspects of society, from politics to literature, the term "British Invasion" seems to more apt as "British Influence". Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and Winston Churchill are modern leaders who made their mark on world, exerting the British influence well beyond the maritime borders of the country. We can trace great thinkers of the past, such as Sir Isaac Newton or Charles Darwin, and find equally impactful figures in the modern era, including Tim Berners-Lee, widely acknowledged as the father of the internet.

The list goes on, the Beatles, U2 in arts, while in sports, David Beckham may not be the most skilled, but brought the game to an entire world through a mix of stardom on and off the field.

Here are just some of the Brits who helped shape the world.

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Margaret Thatcher
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Accomplishments aside, Margaret Thatcher could easily just be praised for being Britain's first female Prime Minister. But, Thatcher didn't break through the glass ceiling, she smashed it to bits proving politics wasn't a man's game any more.
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The United Kingdom's empire may have faded into the history books, but there is no doubt that in all aspects of society, from politics to literature, the term "British Invasion" seems to more apt as "...
The United Kingdom's empire may have faded into the history books, but there is no doubt that in all aspects of society, from politics to literature, the term "British Invasion" seems to more apt as "...
 
 
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12:26 PM on 01/13/2012
Beckham, really? No, no, no! It was Pele who brought soccer to the entire world.
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09:21 AM on 01/13/2012
They shape the PAST in many countries India, Pakistan, Africa, etc ..
and it is a mess forever.
Thanks Brits!
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mtnestr
08:58 AM on 01/13/2012
Beckham? Really?
06:08 AM on 01/13/2012
U2 are not British
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10:52 AM on 01/13/2012
They're not English.