There are tons of powerful women throughout history – ones that have successfully held political positions, advocated for civil rights and women’s rights, or had a profound effect on the outcome of discoveries. While their names may be familiar, there is often a lot more to these figures than just one fact. In honor of Women’s History Month, we gathered five women from our book WHO WINS?: 100 Historical Figures Go Head-to-Head and You Decide the Winner by Clay Swartz, Illustrated by Tom Booth that we think are worth knowing more about.
Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Well-known fact: She died of radiation.
While her work with radiation is known to have killed her, most people don’t realize the milestones she reached for women in science. Growing up …show more content…
She would dance and sing across America for money, but it took moving to France to become extremely well-known. Despite becoming one of Europe’s most successful performers, Americans did not appreciate her as much due to her race. This encouraged her to become active in the Civil Rights Movement, including talking at the March on Washington. She also made her mark on history by working for the French Resistance during World War II.
Joan of Arc (1412 – 1431)
Well-known fact: She was a war hero.
Joan of Arc is a war hero? Certainly, but most people don’t realize that she claimed holy voices are what inspired her to fight for France beginning at the age of 13! Disguised as a boy she motivated others with her risky battle tactics, including leading an underdog group of soldiers to successfully take back a city. While she was injured multiple times throughout the war, she kept returning to battle, adding to her fame. Eventually she was captured and burned alive at the age of 19. Now days it is believed she suffered from epilepsy or schizophrenia.
Cleopatra (69 – 30 BC)
Well-known fact: She was a beautiful ruler of …show more content…
Historian’s actually debate whether she said the quote that most people know her for today. As a symbol of elitism, her extravagance is what angered many French commoners. Married off at 14 years-old, she spent excessively as queen and maintained elaborate hairstyles that were said to be four feet high. Marie was considered very social compared to her husband. Despite her appearance, she also had a tomboyish side that loved to ride horses and go hunting. Eventually she was one of the many victims of the French Revolution’s guillotine.
Maybe you already knew some facts beyond what these women are most known for, but do your kids? Take the time this month to talk to them about what they are learning in history class and discuss some of the historic people and events in women’s history. Some lesser-known, but noteworthy women to learn about or discuss are Nellie Bly, Clara Barton, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Hypatia, and Mildred Ella Didrikson, just to name a
Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Well-known fact: She died of radiation.
While her work with radiation is known to have killed her, most people don’t realize the milestones she reached for women in science. Growing up …show more content…
She would dance and sing across America for money, but it took moving to France to become extremely well-known. Despite becoming one of Europe’s most successful performers, Americans did not appreciate her as much due to her race. This encouraged her to become active in the Civil Rights Movement, including talking at the March on Washington. She also made her mark on history by working for the French Resistance during World War II.
Joan of Arc (1412 – 1431)
Well-known fact: She was a war hero.
Joan of Arc is a war hero? Certainly, but most people don’t realize that she claimed holy voices are what inspired her to fight for France beginning at the age of 13! Disguised as a boy she motivated others with her risky battle tactics, including leading an underdog group of soldiers to successfully take back a city. While she was injured multiple times throughout the war, she kept returning to battle, adding to her fame. Eventually she was captured and burned alive at the age of 19. Now days it is believed she suffered from epilepsy or schizophrenia.
Cleopatra (69 – 30 BC)
Well-known fact: She was a beautiful ruler of …show more content…
Historian’s actually debate whether she said the quote that most people know her for today. As a symbol of elitism, her extravagance is what angered many French commoners. Married off at 14 years-old, she spent excessively as queen and maintained elaborate hairstyles that were said to be four feet high. Marie was considered very social compared to her husband. Despite her appearance, she also had a tomboyish side that loved to ride horses and go hunting. Eventually she was one of the many victims of the French Revolution’s guillotine.
Maybe you already knew some facts beyond what these women are most known for, but do your kids? Take the time this month to talk to them about what they are learning in history class and discuss some of the historic people and events in women’s history. Some lesser-known, but noteworthy women to learn about or discuss are Nellie Bly, Clara Barton, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Hypatia, and Mildred Ella Didrikson, just to name a