Joan of Arc

Definition

Joan of Arc was a peasant girl who became a national heroine of France for her role in the Hundred Years' War, where she claimed to have received divine guidance to support Charles VII and help reclaim France from English occupation. Her unwavering faith and leadership led to significant victories, and her eventual capture and execution turned her into a symbol of courage and martyrdom, marking her as a pivotal figure in both French history and the medieval period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Joan of Arc was born around 1412 in Domrémy, France, and claimed that divine voices directed her to lead the French army.
2. Her most notable achievement was lifting the siege of Orléans in 1429, which turned the tide of the Hundred Years' War in favor of the French.
3. Joan was captured by the Burgundians in 1430 and sold to the English, leading to her trial for heresy and witchcraft.
4. Despite her execution by burning at the stake in 1431, she became a symbol of French unity and nationalism.
5. Joan of Arc was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1920, cementing her legacy as an enduring figure in both religion and history.

Review Questions

• How did Joan of Arc's actions influence the outcome of the Hundred Years' War?
  • Joan of Arc's involvement significantly boosted French morale during a time when they faced many defeats. By leading the French army to victory at the siege of Orléans, she not only demonstrated military prowess but also inspired others to rally behind Charles VII. This victory helped pave the way for Charles's coronation at Reims, ultimately strengthening France's position in the war against England.
• Discuss the implications of Joan's trial and execution on public perception during and after her life.
  • Joan of Arc's trial was politically motivated, aimed at discrediting her and Charles VII. Initially branded as a heretic, her execution garnered sympathy from the French people, transforming her into a martyr for their cause. In time, this perception evolved into a powerful symbol of resistance against English rule, unifying France under her legacy and shifting public sentiment towards national pride.
• Evaluate how Joan of Arc's legacy continues to impact modern views on nationalism and female leadership.
  • Joan of Arc's legacy serves as a profound example of how individual courage can influence national identity and inspire collective action. Her rise from peasant girl to military leader challenges traditional notions of gender roles in leadership. Today, she is celebrated not only as a saint but also as an icon of female empowerment, inspiring movements that advocate for women's rights and leadership roles across various spheres.

Related terms

Hundred Years' War: A protracted conflict between England and France from 1337 to 1453, primarily over territorial claims and the right to the French throne.

Charles VII: The King of France whom Joan supported; he was crowned at Reims with Joan's help after she lifted the siege of Orléans.

Martyrdom: The act of suffering or dying for one's beliefs, which applies to Joan as she was executed for her convictions and later canonized as a saint.