Filles du Roi: Brave Mothers of Canada!

The Filles du Roi ("Daughters of the King") were 800 intrepid young women, between the ages of 16 and 30, who left everything they knew behind in France to start a new life populating the colony of New France (Quebec), arriving in Canada between 1663 and 1673. They speed-dated their way to new husbands, and quickly got down to business, popping out enough babies to increase the colony's population by more than 150% in just a few years. Millions of North Americans now owe DNA to them, and we think they deserve more than a little applause for their bravery and strength of character. Bien joué, ladies! 

Further Reading: 

• Immigration of the Filles du roi to New France (Government of Canada)
• The filles du roi (Canada: A People's History - CBC)
• Filles du Roi (Canadian Encyclopedia) 
• "Filles du Roi": Come Visit Scenic New France in the 17th Century (The Toast)

Madame de Pompadour: A Mistress to Top Them All!!

Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, better known as Madame de Pompadour, was probably the most successful and influential "official mistress" in western history. She captured Louis XV's attention, along with everybody else's, with her wit, style, charm, and boundless energy. From theatre to architecture, gardening to philosophy, encyclopedias to politics, this busy lady had her fingers in just about everything at Versailles and beyond. You'll just swoon for this fascinating seductress! 

Further Reading: 

• Madame de Pompadour (biography.com)
• Madame de Pompadour (Chateau de Versailles)
• Portrait of the Marquise de Pompadour (Louvre)
• Jeanne Antoinette Marquise de Pompadour - Woman of Influence (The Culture Concept)