Military Campaigns
Joan rallied the French troops, outside Orléans and they went on the offensive. In a series of battles, the French attempted to break the English siege of the city. The English while besieging the city and had built a series of walls around their positions. This allowed them to besiege the French in Orléans and to defend themselves against the French relief force. The French army attacked these fortifications, many times during the summer of 1422. Joan participated in the fighting. This was unheard of as traditionally only men fought in medieval battles. Joan was only able to participate in the battle because she was widely seen as a prophetess or one selected by God. During the battle to relieve the siege of Orléans, Joan was wounded, at least once but returned to the battle. The English forces under constant French attacks retreated from Orléans. It was a turning point in the wars.
The lifting of the siege of Orléans was to change French fortunes in the war. They regained territory in the Loire after Joan had seized several key bridges. Joan advised the French commander, the to go on the offensive. The common soldiers were emboldened by the presence of the young woman. The commander inspired by Joan attacked the English and dealt them a significant defeat. The French army began to advance again and captured Troyes and Rheims. Joan’s encouragement and advice had changed the war in the favour of France. She was now loved by the people and respected by the French army. This Joan encouraged the prince to receive the crown of France in Rheims, where French monarchs were traditionally crowned. The Prince travelled to Rheims and was crowned Charles VII, King of France. This was an event of huge symbolic importance and the entire country began to rally to Charles VII.