Orléansprocess

The Orléansprocess refers to a series of events and strategic decisions associated with the relief of the Siege of Orléans during the Hundred Years' War. This pivotal moment in the conflict occurred in 1429 and involved the intervention of Joan of Arc. Prior to her arrival, the English had been besieging the French city of Orléans for several months, with the French forces facing dwindling morale and a dire strategic situation.

Joan of Arc, a peasant girl who claimed divine guidance, arrived at the city with a small contingent of troops and supplies. Her presence had an immediate and profound impact on the French defenders, inspiring them with renewed confidence and a sense of divine mission. The Orléansprocess, in this context, encompasses the subsequent military actions and leadership shifts that led to the lifting of the siege.

Key aspects of the Orléansprocess include Joan of Arc's tactical advice and her direct participation in skirmishes, which often saw her at the forefront, carrying her banner. French commanders, initially hesitant, began to adopt a more aggressive stance, capitalizing on the surge in morale. The process involved a series of assaults on English fortifications surrounding the city. Within days of Joan's arrival, the French had successfully recaptured several key positions, forcing the English to abandon the siege.

The successful relief of Orléans was a major turning point in the Hundred Years' War. It marked the beginning of a French resurgence and significantly weakened English control over territories in France. The Orléansprocess is therefore recognized not only for its military outcome but also for its symbolic importance in galvanizing French national sentiment and initiating the eventual expulsion of the English from most of France.