The Social And Political Influence Of Eleanor Of Aquitaine In France

Eleanor of Aquitaine, a controversial and influential woman in her time, was the only child of William X, Duke of Aquitaine (Emmerson 198). During the 12th century, Aquitaine was the largest and wealthiest province in France, of which Eleanor became the duchess of at age fifteen. (DISCovering Biography). In July 1137, fifteen-year-old Eleanor married sixteen-year-old Prince Louis, son of King Louis VI of France; in August 1137, the young couple became queen and king of France (Weir 26). During her fifteen-year ruling period, Eleanor was known particularly for two things: her role in culturally influencing France, and her role in politically influencing her husband.
Eleanor grew up with great appreciation for the fine arts—the Duke of Aquitaine’s

Elizabeth, however, was loved by the British in a way that Eleanor was not by the French. Elizabeth and George VI reigned during World War II, and it was said that Elizabeth’s strength helped her husband and the country survive through the war (Newsmakers, Gale). She made patriotic broadcasts and traveled to hospitals and areas that were bombed to comfort the people (Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Gale). As a consequence of her influence in rallying the British against the Nazis (similar to how Eleanor rallied the French for the Second Crusade), Adolf Hitler called Elizabeth “the most dangerous woman in Europe” (Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, Gale). She made visits with her husband to Africa, Canada and the United States (“Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, Gale). After George VI’s premature death, she continued with public duties on behalf of her daughter, Elizabeth II. Though both Eleanor and Elizabeth are remembered for being involved in politics, Eleanor is seen as a meddlesome queen, while Elizabeth is seen as a queen who served her people. Another modern royal woman, this one known for her influence her country’s culture, Princess Grace of Monaco, was an American who married the Prince of Monaco. Although she was a famous American actress, she was known for her down-to-earth personality as princess. Grace “brought positive and long overdue changes to the social climate of Monaco” (“Grace Kelly,” Gale). Like Eleanor’s marriage to Louis, Grace’s marriage to Prince Rainier III was advantageous for the monarchy. The excitement generated by her marriage to Prince Rainier III re-energized the mood of Monaco, and encouraged tourism in the principality (“Grace Kelly,” Gale). She was involved