Jackie's grandparents were slaves which could've influenced Jackie to change history forever and advance the Civil Rights Movement even though it was hard. It was like he wanted to change America and make it a better place for future generations just like his grandparents might've done. Also, in 1941 when Jackie was in the army he refused to sit at the back of the bus which shows a first step to his Civil Rights activism. Jackie's influence in changing America was brought up when Ricky Branch wanted him to play pro baseball, so he could show people that African Americans are people just like anyone else and make an influence on the world. However, Jackie had to follow some rules when playing like he couldn't respond back to the mean comments and things thrown at him on and off the field. By Jackie doing this he showed a way of advancing the Civil Rights by not being violent. Jackie showed people that violence is not the answer and by not responding he got further in life. After baseball Jackie became more influenced by his childrens presence because they made him want to make America a better place for future generations. So, then they could enjoy life and live a better life than he did when he was younger and he hoped they would not have to face racial struggles. To Jackie something that influenced him to change history was that he believe that a life is not important by how our life impacts others is what makes it important. So, this could’ve drove Jackie to take his career farther no matter what life was thrown at him because he wanted to make an impact on others to make his life have a meaning.