France Stories France in the time of Joan of Arc. In France appeared destined to become part of a much larger English kingdom. Following major victories at Agincourt and successful sieges at Paris and Rouen, Henry V of England concluded a treaty that disinherited Charles, heir to the French throne.
John, Duke of Bedford, ruled France in his stead, while Charles had retreated to his castles in the Loire, penniless and dispirited. Only a miracle could save the country. Joan of Arc finally convinced the captain at Vaucouleurs to send her to Charles at Chinon castle in early She began dictating letters to the English command, warning them that if they did not leave France, her army would cause great harm to them, making a greater uproar than had been heard in a thousand years.
The English laughed and called her names. Although the court had intended her to be a figurehead, she took matters into her own hands, winning the hearts of the townspeople and the respect of hardened soldiers. Many commented that she was so competent in the art of war that it was as if she had been a captain for 20 or 30 years. A week after her arrival, the English, terrified of this girl who had survived an arrow wound and rallied the French forces, lifted the siege and fled.
By September, heady with success, Joan decided to attack Paris. The Duke of Burgundy, allied with England, nominally controlled the capital. Considering her earlier victories, Joan did not understand that with its moats and impregnable walls, Paris could not be taken without insurrection from within. Paris proved to be a turning point. The army sustained its first failure, and more importantly Joan lost her aura of invincibility.
She had also served her purpose. Charles VII was king, now controlling a considerable part of his kingdom. He hoped to make peace with his relative, the Duke of Burgundy.
