Influential Women in
History
Queen Elizabeth II
By: Shraeya Mehta
04/04/2025
Few people in history have worn a crown as long as Queen Elizabeth II, and even fewer have left behind a legacy as impactful as hers. For over 70 years, she led Britain through major historical events, from the post-World War ll era to the digital age. Through political shifts, personal challenges, and a rapidly changing world, she remained a great leader. Her reign was defined by duty, tradition, and adaptability in order to become one of the most influential monarchs in history.
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Born on April 21, 1926, as Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, she never thought she would become queen. Her uncle was King George VI, so she was not in line to the throne. However, everything changed in 1936 when her uncle, King Edward VIII, gave up the throne, making her father king and her next in line.
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As a young person during WWII, she started doing public work, even training as a mechanic in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service. When her father died in 1952, Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II at just 25 years old. Her coronation in 1953 was the first to be shown on television!
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Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth witnessed major events in modern history. She saw the end of the British Empire as many countries gained independence but worked hard to keep the Commonwealth strong. She also managed to maintain many ties with quite a few former colonies. She served alongside over 15 British prime ministers, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss, and she adapted to the changing political scene.
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Even with challenges like family scandals, public criticism, and the tragic death of Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth remained a respected figure. She found new ways of connecting with people, using television and social media to reach out in ways no previous monarch had done.
Besides her royal duties, Queen Elizabeth II was a loving wife to Prince Philip and a mother of four. She loved horses and corgis and made time for her many personal interests, despite her busy life. Her passing on September 8, 2022, marked the end of an incredible era. The impact of her life and work will be remembered, and her legacy will last.
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Sources:
https://www.royal.uk/queen-elizabeth
Harriet Tubman
By: Shraeya Mehta
03/21/2025
Harriet Tubman was one of the most courageous and determined leaders in American history. Born into slavery in Maryland around 1822, she experienced a harsh and difficult life. Enslaved people were treated cruelly, and Harriet suffered severe beatings from a young age. Despite these hardships, she remained strong and determined to be free.
In 1849, Harriet escaped from slavery, making a dangerous journey to the North. However, instead of staying safe, she chose to risk her life by returning to the South multiple times to help others escape. She became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a secret network of safe houses and routes that helped enslaved people reach freedom. Harriet led over 70 people to freedom, including members of her own family. She was given the nickname "Moses" because she never lost a single person on her journeys. She used smart strategies, such as traveling at night, using disguises, and carrying a gun to protect herself and others.
When the Civil War began in 1861, Harriet Tubman continued her fight for freedom by helping the Union Army. She worked as a nurse, a spy, and a scout. She gathered information about Confederate troop movements and even led a military raid in South Carolina that freed over 700 enslaved people. Her bravery and leadership made a huge impact during the war.
After the war, Harriet Tubman dedicated her life to helping others. She worked to support formerly enslaved people by providing housing and food for those in need. She was also involved in the women’s rights movement, fighting for equal rights and the right to vote. Later in her life, she opened a home for elderly African Americans who had no place to go.
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Sources:
1. National Park Service – Harriet Tubman
2. Library of Congress – Harriet Tubman
3. History.com – Harriet Tubman:
4. National Women's History Museum:
5. Smithsonian Magazine – Harriet Tubman’s Legacy