Listen "11. Empress Matilda: Chains, Castles, and Courage"
Episode Synopsis
The Unstoppable Empress Matilda: Chains, Castles, and CourageIn this episode of 'She Changed History,' the hosts delve into the story of Empress Matilda, an inspiring historical figure who fought valiantly for her rightful place on the English throne. Despite living in a time dominated by men, Matilda's perseverance, strategic mind, and leadership qualities led her to challenge King Stephen in a prolonged civil conflict known as 'The Anarchy.' Listeners will learn about Matilda's battles, her alliances with powerful figures, and how she ultimately ensured her legacy continued through her son, Henry II. The episode highlights her determination and resilience, providing a captivating look at medieval English history.Sources today are:https://retrospectjournal.com/2022/10/31/empress-matilda-what-happened-to-englands-first-female-heir/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etng7e53UFwBeem, C. (2015). The Virtuous Virago: The Empress Matilda and the Politics of Womanhood in Twelfth-Century England . In C. Levin, Queenship and Power (pp. 85-99). New York: St Martins Press LLC. Castor, D. H. (Director). (2012). She Wolves: Englands Early Queens, Episode 1 [Motion Picture]. Lys, L. (2021, July 19). Empress Matilda: Lady of the English. Retrieved from Museum of Oxford: https://museumofoxford.org/empress-matilda-lady-of-the-english/https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/King-Stephen-Anarchy/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Anarchyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_the_Romans00:00 Introduction and Casual Conversation01:49 Welcome to She Changed History02:03 The Unstoppable Empress Matilda04:54 Matilda's Early Life and Marriage07:24 The White Ship Disaster and Its Aftermath14:05 Matilda's Struggle for the Throne15:36 Stephen's Betrayal and Rise to Power21:36 The Anarchy: Civil War in England22:41 The Brutal Reality of Medieval Warfare23:32 Matilda's Appeal to the Pope and Invasion of England26:40 The Battle of Lincoln and Matilda's Temporary Victory28:34 Matilda's Struggle for Recognition and the Flip-Flopping Nobles31:06 The Stalemate and Matilda's Strategic Shift39:24 The Final Years and Legacy of Empress Matilda42:45 Conclusion and Reflections on Gender and Power
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