The most influential nation of all time is...

1. the United States of America - for developing televised media and inventing the internet.

Runner up:

2. Greece - for democracy.
3. British Empire - for laying the foundation of western civilization (I think), and spreading its influence.

This is just my opinion of course.

[edit on Mon, 21 Jan 08 by Jazzyguy]

i'd say that ancient mongolia is a contender for influencing pretty much all of asia at once. it has had a very lasting cultural and social impact on the content.

you're also excluding rome... i think the influence of rome doesn't really need to be stated
the empire of alexander the great with hellenism
germany... it did kind of start two world wars...
ancient sumeria... for laying the groundwork of ancient civilization for half of the world...

there are plenty.

oh, one more thing...
greece didn't invent democracy
ATHENS invented democracy.
greece wasn't a nation at the time... sparta had two kings...other city-states had different systems.

[edit on 1/21/08 by madnessinmysoul]

The internet was not an american invention. I think the British were most influential, the fact we are typing in english is testament to that.

If you have your own list, you can post #1 to #3 or to #5, up to you. Of course with explanations. Thank you.

1. Spain - Spain had unprecedented influence in shaping central and south America, they would be very different continents today if it wasn't for Spain.

2. Britain - Forcefed western culture and government around the world, in many places where it had never been before. Played a leading role in establishing some major countries. USA, Australia, India, South Africa, Israel, Ireland...

3. Russia - Communism and revolution caused ripples around Europe in the early 1900s. Russia saved Europe from the Nazis, and spent the rest of the twentieth century playing the bad guy influencing nations as close as China and as far as Cuba.

4. Germany - Two World Wars, Weiners, Hamburgers and immigrants. 'Nuff said.

5. France - Influenced Europe alot during the Napoleonic era, influenced Canada, long been the world's arguably most famous icon of fine culture and romance.

6. United States - The heaviest player in global politics from 1945 through present day. It's freedom and lifestyle has been a beacon to the world, mainly through television. Generated immense sympathy and support in 2001, but managed to destroy her reputation by 2003.

7. Italy - Renowned for culture, second only to France. Developed the most powerful land armies and bureacracy known to man, dominated much of europe a little under two millenia ago. Some Roman culture was retained and adapted by conquered countries, but was not as directly influential as the later powers.

8. China - In isolation ancient China held arguably the most advanced and intricate of societies, also developed several key technologies centuries before the West. Drastic changes in political and economic climate led to a very different but highly significant China today.

9. Japan - Despite being isolationist for much of its life, Japan joined the Axis and held strong against the USA, making a major impact on the south pacific during the war. Japan retains its influence today with spreading various highly popular elements of entertainment to the West, along with hosting the world's top technology corporations that we all depend on for a modern lifestyle.

10. Israel - Few states have been more controversial than Israel. Due to an aggressive foreign policy, a deep rooted biblical theocracy, high profile relationships, unique treatments, and being the most liberal nation in the whole Middle East, Israel commands great influence for its size and will continue to make headlines for years to come with its endless predicaments. It inspires love, hate, passion and frustration the world over.