History: Joan of Arc

1412- 1431 - Joan of Arc was the daughter of peasants from the village of Domr'emy in Champagne. Joan was deeply religious and is known to have experienced visions. She believed that several saints commanded her to free France and to return rule to the dauphin, or rightful heir. Joan of Arc persuaded Charles, the dauphin, to allow her to accompany a French army to Orl'eans. The French armies seemed inspired by Joan of Arc's confidence and liberated Orl'eans. Soon the Loire valley was free and Charles was able to claim the monarchy in 1429.

Unfortunately, Joan of Arc was captured shortly thereafter by the Burgundians, who were allies of England. Joan was turned over to the Inquisition on charges of witchcraft, because her visions were deemed to be satanic. The church condemned her as a witch and burned her at the stake. Ironically, Joan was sainted by the Roman Catholic church in 1920, about 500 years too late.