Joan of Arc

Definition

Joan of Arc was a peasant girl from France who became a national heroine and martyr during the Hundred Years' War, claiming to have received divine guidance to support Charles VII and lead French troops against the English. Her actions played a significant role in fostering a sense of national identity and unity among the French people, which aligns closely with the ideas of Romantic nationalism and cultural identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Joan of Arc was born around 1412 in Domrémy, France, and began hearing voices at the age of 13 that she believed were from saints instructing her to support Charles VII.
2. In 1429, she led French forces to a crucial victory at the Siege of Orléans, significantly boosting French morale and aiding in Charles VII's coronation as king.
3. Captured by the Burgundians in 1430, Joan was handed over to the English and tried for heresy; she was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431.
4. Her trial was politically motivated, but she was posthumously exonerated in 1456, and she was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1920.
5. Joan of Arc's legacy has been celebrated in literature, art, and popular culture, symbolizing courage, faith, and national identity for France.

Review Questions

• How did Joan of Arc's actions during the Hundred Years' War influence the development of national identity in France?
  • Joan of Arc's leadership during key battles, especially the Siege of Orléans, helped unify various factions within France against a common enemy. Her devotion to Charles VII and her belief in divine guidance resonated with the French people, inspiring a collective sense of identity and purpose. By embodying both military prowess and spiritual conviction, Joan became a symbol of national pride that transcended regional loyalties.
• Discuss how Joan of Arc can be seen as an embodiment of Romantic nationalism within France.
  • Joan of Arc represents Romantic nationalism through her portrayal as a heroic figure who inspires deep emotional connections among the French people. Her personal journey from peasant girl to military leader highlights themes of individual sacrifice for the greater good and an unwavering commitment to one's nation. This narrative aligns with Romantic ideals that celebrate folk heroes and emphasize cultural identity as integral to national unity.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Joan of Arc's martyrdom on French cultural identity and nationalism into modern times.
  • Joan of Arc's martyrdom had a profound impact on French cultural identity, establishing her as a symbol of resilience and faith that resonates even today. Over centuries, she has been celebrated in various forms of art and literature, cementing her role as a national icon. This lasting legacy has influenced not just notions of nationalism but also discussions around gender roles in society, positioning her as a figure representing both strength and spirituality within the narrative of French history.

Related terms

Hundred Years' War: A prolonged conflict between England and France from 1337 to 1453, marked by a struggle for power over the French throne.

Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes loyalty, devotion, or allegiance to a nation or nation-state and often promotes the interests and culture of that nation.

Martyrdom: The suffering of death or persecution due to one's beliefs, which in Joan's case contributed to her legacy as a symbol of French national pride and identity.