6. Simon Bolivar

Simon Bolivar is one of the few noble men in this list. He is considered to be a legend in Venezuelan history. He fought against the Spanish empire and in the process liberating Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Panama.

The Birthplace of Simón Bolívar in Caracas, Venezuela (now a museum). (PHOTO: Wikipedia)

Bolivar turned on the very people that groomed and educated him. He was born into a wealthy aristocratic family and went to Spain like most rich youth. There he received education that liberated his mind. He decided to forsake his comfortable lifestyle and help people of Venezuela get independence from the Spaniards. Bolivar is considered to be one of the greatest figures of Hispanic independence movement.

PHOTO: Wikipedia

5. James Armistead

James Armistead was an African American slave. His is known for his brilliant spy work during the American Revolution. Slavery was at its peak in those days and it was unusual for slaves to entrusted upon such an important roles.

PHOTO: Wikipedia

Armistead was born into slavery. His master gave him permission to work as a spy for the US. He fed false information to General Cornwallis and Benedict Arnold. His trickery allowed the American forces to win the crucial battle of Yorktown.

PHOTO: Wikipedia