Women Who Made History

She commanded armies and built warships. She was ruthless with rivals and quick to eliminate traitors. She spoke at least nine languages, received diplomats and negotiated with kings. But the last woman to rule Egypt is a legend today because of her powers of seduction.

The first woman who made history in Western civilization, who believed she had a divine mission and saved France during the dark days of the Hundred Years War, was a girl from a simple background who defied all the institutions of the day.

In an era dominated by men, Queen Elizabeth I was the only woman. She ruled England for 45 years, laying the foundation for the British Empire, and when she died in 1603 she gave her name to an entire epoch: the Elizabethan Age.

At the age of 14 Sophie Auguste Friederike von Anhalt-Zerbst a princess from a minor German aristocratic family, journeyed to Russia... because she had been chosen to marry Grand Duke Peter, heir to the Russian throne. For the sake of the marriage she converted to the Russian Orthodox religion and was given the name that has become famous in history: Catherine.

Known as the Queen of Hearts during her lifetime, Louise of Prussia had no official political or military power. However, she wielded influence over the men who did-predominantly her husband, King Frederick Wilhelm III-and she had the stature and style to become a symbolic figure.

In the midst of Nazi Germany, Sophie Scholl took a stand against Hitler's terrifying regime as a member of the White Rose resistance group. Scholl's story is profiled in this episode.