Cross of lorraine
During World War ii
(1939-45), france
was occupied by
Germany, partly
under German
military control
and partly under a
pro-German french
government. The fighters
of the french resistance
movement adopted the
cross of lorraine, originally
Joan of arc’s symbol,
because they shared her aim—to rid
their country of foreign domination.meeTinG The Dauphin
This contemporary tapestry
shows Joan’s arrival at
the Château of Chinon
in february 1429, in the
company of six armed
men. she is greeted by
the Dauphin Charles,
who wears a golden
crown—a token of his
claim to the disputed
french throne.in The early 15Th CenTury, the french finally defeated the
english, who had ruled much of their country. The warrior who led
them into battle was a woman who has since become one of the best-
loved heroines of french history. Joan of arc was born into a farming
family in 1412. she could not read or write, but she was inspired and
stubborn, and could debate with educated people. as a young girl,
Joan heard “voices” of saints and angels. The voices told her that she
must restore the rightful king to the throne of france. Joan convinced
the heir to the throne (the Dauphin)—who later became King
Charles Vii—to support her. in 1429, when only 17, she led the
french army to victory at orléans. Joan led her country’s troops in
other successful battles, but in 1430 she was caught by a powerful
group of french people from Burgundy. They sold her to the english,
who imprisoned her and put her on trial as a heretic—a person who
does not believe in the official teachings of the Church. Joan was
found guilty, and on may 30, 1431, she was executed in rouen by
being burned at the stake. after her death the english were driven
out of france, and Joan’s reputation as a heroine flourished. legends
about Joan became widespread, and in 1920 she was made a saint.The maiD of orlÉans
Joan of arc was a brave fighter who wore a suit of armor
like a man. she was deeply religious, and prayed for
guidance before going into battle. she was known
as the “maid of orléans” because she led
the french army to victory at orléans.Joan’s helmeT
Joan may have worn this
helmet in battle against the
english. There is a hole in
the side made by an arrow
or a crossbow bolt.The fearless leaDer
Joan demonstrated that previous french
defeat had resulted from military error and
that, with better tactics, victories were possible.
at first, the troops were reluctant to follow
Joan, but they soon realized that they won when
obeying her commands. Joan’s first victory was the
lifting of the english siege of orléans in 1429,
which swelled the troops’ confidence in their
young leader. The orléans victory was followed by
similar success at Jargeau, meung, Beaugency, and
patay. her thrilling run came to an end when she
was captured at Compiègne on may 24, 1430.Joan leads the
French troops
into battle at
Orléans.The banner
flown by
Joan in battleFind out more
france
medieval europeJoan of Arc
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