Queens of Europe: 1400-1900

This course will explore the lives and reigns of influential queens across history, with weekly discussions delivered through engaging lectures.

Week 1: Isabella of Castile—her unification of Spain and the empire she built by funding Columbus’s expedition.
Week 2: Elizabeth of York—her marriage that united the Yorks and Lancasters, ending the War of the Roses and establishing a new dynasty.
Week 3: Joanna the Mad—her reign of Spain and the foundation of the Habsburg dynasty, which dominated Europe.
Week 4: Catherine of Aragon—her role as Queen of England and the religious turmoil sparked by her divorce from Henry VIII.
Week 5: Anne Boleyn—her marriage to Henry VIII, the split from the Catholic Church, and her tragic downfall.
Week 6: Catherine de Medici—her influence during France’s Catholic-Huguenot wars.
Week 7: Mary I (“Bloody Mary”)—her reign as Queen of England and the origins of her infamous nickname.
Week 8: Mary, Queen of Scots—her struggles for power in Scotland and her marriage to Francis II of France.
Week 9: Elizabeth I—her leadership during religious conflict, her battles with Scotland and Spain, and her legacy as the Virgin Queen.
Week 10: Mary II—the Glorious Revolution and her role in shaping England’s constitutional monarchy.
Week 11: Anne I—her reign over Great Britain and the personal challenges she faced with succession.
Week 12: Maria Theresa—her rule as Empress of Europe and the legacy she left through her 13 children.
Week 13: Marie Antoinette—her controversial reign as Queen of France and her role in the French Revolution.
Week 14: Queen Victoria—her expansive reign over Great Britain and the empire she influenced around the world.
Each week, we’ll dive into the queens' lives, reigns, and legacies, connecting their stories to broader historical events and their lasting impact.