The wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt changed the role of the first lady through her active participation in American politics.

• U.S. First Lady, Diplomat
  (1884–1962)

The policies of William the Conqueror, king of England from 1066 until his death in 1087, may be largely responsible for eventually making Britain the most powerful nation in Europe.

• Military Leader, King
  (c. 1028–c. 1087)

French singer Édith Piaf, also known as “The Little Sparrow,” was one of the most iconic performers of her native country.

• Songwriter, Singer
  (1915–1963)

Louis XII was king of France from 1498 and was noted for his disastrous Italian wars and his domestic popularity.

• King
  (1462–1515)

Civil rights activist and ACLU alum Eleanor Holmes Norton serves as a non-voting delegate to Congress from the District of Columbia.

• U.S. Representative, Civil Rights Activist
  (1937–)

Louis XIII was king of France from 1610 to 1643. Under his reign, France became a leading European power.

• King
  (1601–1643)

The artist Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun was one of the best-known and most fashionable portraitists of 18th century France; her clients included the queen Marie Antoinette.

• Painter
  (1755–1842)

Catherine de' Medici was married to the French king Henry II. After his death, she was appointed regent for three of her sons: Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III.

• Queen
  (1519–1589)