How Did Joan Of Arc Change History

911 Words4 Pages

How Did Joan of Arc Change History? Joan of Arc, born in 1412, was known as a saint, a martyr, and a military leader. Claiming to be led by the voices of angels and God, she helped Charles VII be crowned king of France, and fought in the Hundred Years’ War. Joan of Arc changed the way women were perceived in the 1400s, encouraged many historical events, and had many effects on the future. Although many people do not recognize her as an important historical figure, Joan of Arc was a very remarkable woman. Joan of Arc was born in 1412 in Domremy, France. Her exact date of birth was never recorded, however it is believed to be January 6, around the time of the Christian holiday, Epiphany. She was born into a poor farming family, with three brothers …show more content…

In the 1400s, women were still inferior to men, so even though women worked the land, and took on different jobs done by men, they were still expected to cook and clean, and do common house chores that women were categorized to. In SparkNotes.com’s article, Italian Renaissance (1330-1550), it mentioned, “Women of all classes were expected to perform, first and foremost, the duties of housewife. Peasant women worked in the field alongside their husbands and ran the home. The wives of middle class shop owners and merchants often helped run their husbands' businesses as well.” Women in this time had little rights and were considered “subjects” to their husbands. So when Joan of Arc dressed as a man and sought a meeting with Charles VII, before he was king, many people were confused, angered, and almost …show more content…

Making a request, Baudricourt turned it down. But soon Joan had gathered the support of the villagers, and Baudricourt gave her a horse and several soldiers to escort her to Charles’s court. It was an eleven day trip in which she had to travel through enemy territory. To remain inconspicuous, Joan cropped her hair and dressed like a man. When Charles heard word of Joan, a young peasant girl who said she could save France, he refused to believe she could do anything. But Charles soon believed her when she figure out who he was, while in disguise among a large number of people. When he pulled her aside for a private conversation, she told him the details of a prayer Charles made in hopes of saving France. Charles ended up giving Joan armor and a horse to join the army on their way to Orléans. The seventeen year old led the French to a victory, but was wounded. After the Siege of Orléans, Joan encouraged Charles to go to Reims to be crowned king, and on July 18, 1429 King Charles VII was crowned king. According to History.com’s article, Joan of Arc Martyred, “Joan standing nearby holding up her standard: an image of Christ in judgment. After the ceremony, she knelt before Charles, joyously calling him king for the first time.” She soon returned to the battle field when Charles VII sent her to Compiègne, to fight the

More about How Did Joan Of Arc Change History