Joan of Arc (1412–1431)

A young peasant girl with no formal schooling or prior military experience, she managed to convince the royal court and rally the French army in the midst of the Hundred Years’ War. Armed with unwavering faith in what she believed were divine commands, a magnetic leadership style, and remarkably persuasive rhetoric, she inspired battle-hardened soldiers. Her iron conviction and courage proved that determination could be just as powerful as traditional military strategy. She was eventually captured, condemned, and burned at the stake at the age of 19.