Joan Of Arc

The Hundred Years’ War, despite the common misapprehension, did not last 100 years, however, its title remains true; it lasted a barbarous 116 years, beginning in 1337 ending in 1453. The consequences of this terrible war were impactful on both English and French sides and many brave heroes who fascinate both Catholics and non-Catholics arose including St. Joan of Arc. Some of the most significant elements consist of the role of the Popes in the Hundred Years' War, the ensuing balance of power in Europe and the importance of St. Joan of Arc.

The Hundred Years’ War all began when Edward III of England claimed the right of the French throne after the last Capetian king died. The papacy tried its best efforts to end the war. Jacques Fournier became

In 1424, she had her first visions, Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret told Joan to drive the English out of France, and that is just what she did. She received very specific instructions, “She must go to Charles VII and see him crowned King of France. She must inspire his soldiers to fight better, even lead them into battle. No one else would do it or could; God had chosen her-chosen, as so often in His dealings with mankind, the weak, to shame the strong. Specifically, she must go to the King’s representative in the nearest large town, Vaucouleurs…” (Carroll 517). Joan of Arc’s voices would change the history of the Middle Ages and eventually make Joan of Arc a saint. Joan of Arc's ideas encouraged people to look at France as a country and not just a cluster of provinces; this was a start to nationalism. People started looking more to the King for leadership, and feudalism was destroyed. However, while she was a hero to the French, Joan of Arc was nothing but insurgent to the English. Eventually, they captured and imprisoned her. During her trial, Joan of Arc’s silent treatment towards the interrogator only irritated the English, and ultimately they convicted and sentenced her to burn at the stake. She faced martyrdom on May 30, 1431. Joan of Arc is remembered as a remarkable woman who stood by her beliefs and led her people of France to freedom. Catholics are fascinated by her because she became a saint out of her outstanding devotion to God even to the point of death. Even non-Catholics are fascinated by her because she was a woman who fought for her country at a time when only men were allowed to do