"The importance of non-Euclidean geometry in the general history of thought cannot be exaggerated. Like Copernicus' heliocentric theory, Newton's law of gravitation, and Darwin's theory of evolution, non-Euclidean geometry has radically affected science, philosophy, and religion. It is fair to say that no more cataclysmic event has ever taken place in the history of all thought."
      - Morris Kline, Mathematics in Western Culture

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What was the cataclysm? How did a mathematical event affect religion and philosophy? Who are these guys? Who most deserves the credit? Click on each picture to learn more about these mathematicians.

The event happened between the times of Jefferson and Lincoln. Moise, in his geometry textbook, claims we can see the shift in the culture in their political writings.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
      - Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence, 2. July, 1776

"Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
      - Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, 19. November 1863

Where is the math in these words?