explain the history of Joan of Arc from her birth to her death.
Joan of Arc, also known as Jeanne d'Arc, was born in Domrémy, a small village in northeastern France, around 1412. She grew up in a time of turmoil and conflict during the Hundred Years' War between France and England. Her birth came after a series of military defeats for the French, and the country was divided.
As a young girl, Joan lived a simple life, helping her family with their farm work and attending church regularly. She was known for her devout religious beliefs and claimed to have visions from saints, especially Saint Michael, Saint Margaret, and Saint Catherine.
At the age of 16, Joan received a divine calling to help King Charles VII of France reclaim his throne from the English. Inspired by her visions and driven by her faith, she took her request to the local military captain, Robert de Baudricourt, but was initially dismissed. However, persistent and determined, Joan eventually convinced Baudricourt to bring her before Charles.
In February 1429, Joan traveled to the court of Charles VII at Chinon and impressed him with her knowledge of military affairs, gained through her visions. Despite skepticism from some advisors, Charles provided her with an army and appointed her as the commander of the French troops.
Joan led the French army in several key battles, often relying on her strategic instincts and spiritual guidance. One of her most famous military victories came in 1429 at the Siege of Orléans, which lifted the English blockade and allowed Charles VII to be crowned King of France in Reims.
Despite her initial success, Joan's military campaigns faced challenges. In May 1430, she was captured by the Burgundians, who sided with the English. Joan was subsequently turned over to the English, who put her on trial for various charges, including heresy and cross-dressing.
The trial was highly politicized, and Joan's inquisitors sought to undermine her divine claims. However, Joan repeatedly defended herself against the charges, asserting that her visions and actions were from God. Eventually, she was found guilty and sentenced to death.
On May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in the marketplace of Rouen, at the age of 19. Her executioner carried out this act, hoping to discredit her and her supporters. However, her death only served to fan the flames of her legend.
Years after her death, a posthumous retrial was conducted, which overturned the initial verdict. In 1456, Joan was declared innocent of all charges, and in 1920 she was officially canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Joan of Arc's life and martyrdom have made her an enduring symbol of bravery, patriotism, and religious fervor. She is remembered as an iconic figure in French history and a symbol of resistance against foreign invasion.