Politicians versus Warriors

The politics of France toward the end of the Hundred Years' War become very complex. France has two major factions, the Burgundians who are English sympathizers and the Armagnacs, French loyalists. Although not an outright civil war, the Burgundians negotiate with the English while the Armagnacs resist and harbor Charles VII, rightful dauphin of France. Meanwhile the French army hardly fights at all. The generals like to wait out the English until they become tired and leave. However, the English become more aggressive after a treaty supposedly gives France over to England.

When Joan of Arc takes over the French army, she answers English aggression with stronger French aggression. Rather than conducting war as a long series of sieges, she attacks. Surprisingly effective, she wins battle after battle until the coronation of Charles VII. Despite efforts to stop her, Joan shows the French generals how to...