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How did Joan of Arc's actions impact the Middle Ages and Feudalism?

Janelle Mingaye

Joan of Arc was a French teenager who played a crucial role in the Hundred Years War between the French and the English in the 15th century. Her actions had a tremendous impact on the Middle Ages and the feudal system, leaving behind a legacy that is still studied and debated to this day.

One of the primary ways in which Joan of Arc impacted the Middle Ages and feudalism was by challenging traditional gender roles. In a time when women were expected to be docile and obedient, Joan of Arc refused to conform to these norms. She dressed as a man, cut her hair short, and fought alongside male soldiers. Her bravery and determination shattered the notion that women were weak and incapable of fighting in battle. Her actions paved the way for women to participate more actively in social and political life.

Joan of Arc also challenged the authority of the Church. She believed that she had been chosen by God to lead France to victory, and she refused to accept the authority of the priests and bishops who criticized her actions. Her unwavering faith and conviction were a direct challenge to the power of the Church, and her influence over the French army and the people of France threatened the traditional hierarchy of the feudal system.

Joan of Arc's impact on the Middle Ages and feudalism also extended to the military tactics employed during the Hundred Years War. Prior to her arrival on the scene, the French military relied heavily on longbows and other ranged weapons. However, Joan of Arc advocated for a more aggressive, close-quarters combat style that centered on the use of swords and other melee weapons. Her strategies were successful in several key battles, and they helped shift the tide of the war in favor of the French.

Finally, Joan of Arc's execution at the hands of the English had a profound impact on the people of France. Her trial and eventual death were seen as a miscarriage of justice, and many French people rallied to her cause, calling for her canonization as a saint. Her martyrdom inspired others to take up her cause and fight for French independence, and her legacy became a symbol of national identity and pride.

In conclusion, Joan of Arc's actions had a profound impact on the Middle Ages and feudalism. Her challenges to traditional gender roles and Church authority, her innovative military strategies, and her martyrdom all contributed to a shift in the balance of power and a reimagining of what was possible in a society dominated by feudal hierarchies. Her legacy has endured for centuries, and her influence can be seen in the ongoing struggle for justice, equality, and freedom.