Joan of Arc lifts the Siege of Orléans, turning the tide of the Hundred Years’ War.

The Siege of Orléans was a major turning point in the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. Beginning in October 1428, English forces surrounded the French city of Orléans in an attempt to capture one of the last important strongholds loyal to the French crown. The English hoped that taking the city would allow them to dominate the Loire Valley and strengthen their claim to the French throne. For months, the people of Orléans endured constant attacks, shortages of supplies, and fear of defeat as the English built forts around the city to cut off aid and reinforcements.

The siege changed dramatically in 1429 with the arrival of Joan of Arc, a young peasant woman who claimed she had received divine visions instructing her to help France. Joan inspired the discouraged French soldiers and citizens with her confidence and determination. Alongside experienced commanders, she led several successful assaults against English fortifications surrounding Orléans. Her presence boosted French morale, and within days the French army captured key positions that weakened the English hold on the city. On May 8, 1429, the English forces retreated, ending the siege and marking a symbolic victory for France.

The victory at Orléans had enormous political and military consequences. It revived French confidence after years of defeat and helped strengthen support for Charles VII, who would later be crowned king at Reims. The siege also elevated Joan of Arc to legendary status, making her a national hero in French history. Historians often view the Siege of Orléans as the moment when the momentum of the Hundred Years’ War began to shift in favor of France, eventually leading to the removal of most English forces from French territory.