Link to the Show / Show NotesJoan of Arc (1412-1431) was a poor peasant girl from
Lorraine. One day, she had a vision in which three saints urged her to
lead the French to victory over the English in the Hundred Years' War.
She traveled to Charles VII's court and was appointed head of the
French Army (headed to relieve the besieged city of Orleans) because
her unlikely presence would inspire hope in the French forces. Upon
arriving in Orleans, Joan launched several counterattacks against the
English and broke the siege in only eight days. Then, she led a
campaign to clear the English out of the Loire River Valley, eventually
liberating the city of Reims.
During a later skirmish, Joan was captured and tried for heresy. She
was found guilty and burned at the stake. Later, she was exonerated and
made a saint. She has served a symbol of French nationalism and
feminist pride ever since.
For more information, read:.
Joan of Arc: Her Story by Regine Peroud
Joan of Arc: A Military Appreciation by Stephen Richey
Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine and Audible
Play in your Iphone
RSS Feed