The document discusses how several important historical figures contributed inventions, ideas, and policies that significantly impacted the world. It suggests that without Thomas Edison, the light bulb and phonograph would not have been invented. Likewise, it speculates that rock and roll would not have become as popular without Elvis, the Soviet Union may have still existed without Mikhail Gorbachev, nuclear weapons may not have been developed without Albert Einstein, and many more lives could have been lost to disease without Marie Curie's contributions to radiology and chemistry.

1. uib l.16 mixed conditionals possible answers to ex.2 pg 115