Final answer:
Catherine de Medici was an Italian noblewoman who became the Queen of France in the late 16th century and played a crucial role behind the thrones of her three sons who ruled France. Her main objectives were to maintain the Valois family's reign and bring an end to the conflict between France's Catholics and Protestants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is C) Catherine de Medici
Catherine de Medici was an Italian noblewoman who became the Queen of France in the late 16th century. She played a crucial role behind the thrones of her three sons who ruled France, with her main objectives being to maintain the Valois family's reign and bring an end to the conflict between France's Catholics and Protestants.
Catherine de Medici was known for her political acumen and actively engaged in negotiations and maneuvering to keep her family in power amidst the turbulent religious and political landscape of 16th century France.