Queens and empresses and female heads of government, from 1600-1800.
In the 18th century, it was still true that most royal succession and most power was in the hands of men. But a number of women ruled, directly or through influencing their husbands and sons. Here are some of the most powerful women of the 18th century:
Women rulers became more common in the 17th and first half of the 18th centuries, the Early Modern period. Here are some of the more prominent women rulers -- queens, empresses -- of that period.
Anne of Hanover - profile of a British princess royal who also served as a regent for her son, Prince William V of Orange and Nassau.
Summary of the life of Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, and a collection of resources for further research -- on the Net and in print.
Biography of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France: From your Guide: a summary of the life of the Queen of France 1774-1793.
Image Gallery - Marie Antoinette pictures: paintings and other images of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France.
A biographical sketch of Mary II of Great Britain, Queen of England who was placed on the throne as a result of the Glorious Revolution displacing her father, James II.
Biographical sketch of Mary of Modena, second wife of James II of England and mother of his son James the Old Pretender.
A profile of Anna Nzinga, warrior queen in what is today Angola, who led a resistance campaign against the Portuguese and against slave trading.
A chronological list of queens of Sweden. Each is linked to a short biographical sketch of the queen; the English is a bit funky but the information is good.
A list, illustrated with short descriptions, of royal women who have been heads of state in the covered time period. Includes those who have ruled in their own right and those who have ruled as regents for others.
A list, illustrated with short descriptions, of royal women who have been heads of state in the covered time period. Includes those who have ruled in their own right and those who have ruled as regents for others.
A list, illustrated with short descriptions, of royal women who have been heads of state in the covered time period. Includes those who have ruled in their own right and those who have ruled as regents for others.
A list, illustrated with short descriptions, of royal women who have been heads of state in the covered time period. Includes those who have ruled in their own right and those who have ruled as regents for others.
A list, illustrated with short descriptions, of royal women who have been heads of state in the covered time period. Includes those who have ruled in their own right and those who have ruled as regents for others.
