Joan of Arc: Significance in The Medieval World and French Society

Joan of Arc: Her Impact on the Medieval World and French Society

Joan of Arc was super willing to help her country during those tough war times, and that's what made her such a big inspiration to her people. She really stepped up and led the French to win a bunch of battles against the English. During that period, she managed to liberate several towns, making life a bit better for folks living there. Even after she passed away, her actions left a mark on French society. So yeah, it’s pretty clear Joan was a big deal in the Medieval world.

Her Role in the Hundred Years War

You know how long wars can drag on, right? Well, Joan's role in helping the French beat the English during the Hundred Years War shows just how significant she was back then. The war went on for like 116 years! Can you believe that? Anyway, at only 13 years old, around 1412, Joan claimed she got visions from divine beings telling her to get involved in this mess. It was all about Charles of Valois who should've been king but had his rights taken by the English.

By age 16, she shared her visions with Charles of Valois, but he wasn’t totally convinced at first. After some convincing though, she was sent off to free Orleans from English control—and guess what? She did it! That success proved Joan’s worth and highlighted her abilities. In various battles, she boosted morale as people believed having her around lifted spirits. So yeah, no doubt about it—Joan was crucial for those French armies during medieval times.

Conquering and Allies

The way Joan handled conquering towns and forming alliances shows just how vital she was in shaping medieval society. Take the Siege of Orleans—it happened between October 1428 and May 1429 where Joan played a key role in trying to take back Orleans from English hands before they could grow stronger there. Supplies were running low due to earlier sieges by the Brits when Joan showed up with troops bringing hope along too.

An illustration from 'Vigiles de Charles VII' done in 1484 even depicts this event! On April 29th during clashes westward near Orleans between both sides...there's Joans helping sneak supplies into town giving them an edge over enemies leading victorious battles following suit—documents show details about court trials proving involvement sending letters beforehand warning against surrender (bold move!). Later liberating Reims (1429) allowing Charles' crowning attempt recapturing Paris putting influence military-wise making victories common thing resulting big impact everyone felt far beyond battlefield itself affecting not just France but also England too!

Canonization & Women’s Rights

Now fast forward—1430 rolls around when poor ol’ Joan ends up imprisoned by Burgundians only getting sold off eventually landing herself captured by English forces receiving charges eventually leading death sentence (dressed man-style breaking religious rules accused witchcraft). Her passing marked turning point regarding women’s rights overall given prominent warrior status within army normalizing idea female fighters participating medieval societies where previously seen inferior males had fewer privileges dictated household duties instead battlefield presence deemed ridiculous embarrassing perhaps not anymore thanks Joan becoming sort martyr paving path brighter future many longing.

She broke through stereotypes surpassing expectations granting freedom thought inspiring countless others never dream possible reinforcing stance pivotal medieval times leaving lasting legacy continues today reminding us courageously pursuing causes worth fighting til very end.

A Concluding Thought

In conclusion folks—if there’s anything we learned here today talking bout our gal Joan of Arc it's how huge deal she truly remains throughout history reshaping what being woman meant plus aiding France midst century-long conflicts emerging as beacon strength driving troops forwards liberating cities (Orleans Reims Paris included) meanwhile sacrificing herself greater good emphasizing significance gender equality (still relevant discussions ongoing even present moment). Hands down imperative figure reminding stand tall proud knowing difference capable achieving endless possibilities lie ahead willing chase dreams believing oneself above all else despite odds stacked high against us constantly marching towards uncertain future brightened torch light carried flame eternal spirit alive well hearts minds generations continue inspire wonder amaze forevermore...

References:

• Pernoud R., Clin L.-M., "Joan of Arc: Her Story", Palgrave Macmillan.
• Michelet J., "History of France", Hachette Livre BNF.
• Tuchman B.W., "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century", Ballantine Books.
• Seward D., "The Hundred Years War: The English in France 1337-1453", Penguin Books.
• Kennedy E.J., Varty K., "Reassessing 'The Maid': A Study of Jeanne d'Arc", University of Miami Press.