AI: Isabella I of Castile (Spain), Elizabeth I of England, Maria Theresa of Austria, Catherine II “The Great” of Russia, and Victoria of the United Kingdom Compared: The “Golden Ages” of Queens
Isabella I of Castile was “very powerful, very prudent, wise, very honest, chaste, devout, discreet, truthful, clear, without deceit. Who could count the excellences of this very Catholic and happy Queen, always very worthy of praises.” – Andrés Bernáldez
“My loving people, we have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit ourself to armed multitudes for fear of treachery; but I assure you, I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people … I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a King of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any Prince of Europe should dare to invade the borders of my realm.” – Elizabeth I to the Troops at Tilbury
“I found myself without money, without credit, without army, without experience and knowledge of my own and finally, also without any counsel because each one of them at first wanted to wait and see how things would develop.” – Maria Theresa
“I praise loudly, I blame softly.” – Catherine The Great
“The British Empire is a great moral force for good in the world.” – Queen Victoria