1429

1429 was a pivotal year in the history of the Hundred Years' War between England and France. It is particularly noted for the emergence of Joan of Arc as a key figure and for a shift in momentum toward the French crown under Charles VII.

The year began amid the siege of Orléans, a major English stronghold on the Loire. In May 1429, Joan of Arc arrived in France, claiming divine guidance and gaining the confidence of the dauphin, Charles VII. Her leadership helped sustain the French relief expedition, and the siege of Orléans was lifted in May, marking a turning point in morale and prospects for the French.

Following the relief of Orléans, French forces conducted a successful campaign along the Loire, recapturing several towns from English control, including Jargeau, Meung-sur-Loire, and Beaugency. These rapid gains demonstrated renewed French initiative and disrupted English strategic positions in the region.

In July 1429, Charles VII was crowned King of France at Reims Cathedral, a ceremony widely interpreted as legitimizing his claim to the throne and symbolizing national unity. The coronation reinforced French morale and provided political momentum at a critical phase of the war.

The events of 1429 had a lasting impact on the war’s trajectory, contributing to a shift in momentum toward the French and setting the stage for subsequent military and political developments. Joan of Arc’s involvement in 1429 is viewed as a decisive factor in changing the course of the conflict, even as the war continued in other theaters.