Thousands of women entered Victorian asylums because they were mentally ill. Others entered because they embarrassed their husbands. Because they argued. Because they inherited money. Or simply because someone decided they belonged there.

In this episode of Dark History, we uncover the disturbing stories of women who were declared insane despite showing little or no evidence of mental illness.

00:00 Introduction 01:18 Elizabeth Packard — committed after disagreeing with her husband 11:05 Why Were Asylums Created? 24:01 What Counted as "Insanity"? 23:42 Could Someone Really Commit You? 37:07 Elizabeth Fights Back 49:00 She Wasn't Alone 1:17:05 Nellie Bly Walks Inside 1:25:09 Inside a Victorian Asylum 1:35:47 The Truth

These are true stories of courage, injustice, and the frightening power Victorian society gave to husbands, doctors, and institutions.

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Watch next: The Resurrection Men: The Grave Robbers Who Supplied Victorian Medical Schools

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