The Saber and Scroll Journal Volume 6, Issue 1, Winter 2017 | Page 27

Tables Turned
The seemingly unstoppable French advance caused the English to
surrender the fortress, which resulted in a French victory that lifted the siege of
Orléans. Nine days after Joan’s arrival at Orléans, the siege had collapsed. This
military victory was a major turning point in the Hundred Years’ War. Afterwards,
more fortresses fell within the duchy, causing the English to send forces to stop the
advancement but they were in turn defeated. In just a few weeks, the English from
the Loire valley were swept aside and Bedford, the English Regent of France, had
lost much of his supplies, which greatly crippled any further English advance for
the time being.
Figure 9. Joanne of Arc Falls Prisoner at Compiègne, by Jules Eugene
Lenepveu, c. 1886-1890.
Joan partook in many successful military operations until the English
eventually captured her. Joan of Arc and the French army marched toward the
defense of Compiègne against the Burgundian army, led by John of Luxembourg,
and arrived on 14 May 1430. However, on 22 May, Joan went out during a sortie
and surprised the Burgundians. While Joan’s attack was effective, the Burgundian
forces refused defeat, rallied their forces, and defeated her men. Joan retreated
toward the gates and continued to fight, as she refused to admit defeat. This
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