HISTORY This Week: Episode Summary – "A Teenage Girl Saves France"

Introduction

In the May 15, 2025 episode of HISTORY This Week, titled "A Teenage Girl Saves France," host Sally Helm delves into the remarkable story of Joan of Arc, a 17-year-old French peasant girl whose actions during the Hundred Years War profoundly impacted the course of history. Supported by expert insights from Nancy Goldstone, author of The Maid and the Secret History of Joan of Arc, and Charity Urbanski, Associate History Professor at the University of Washington, the episode explores Joan's rise, her military campaigns, capture, trial, and enduring legacy.

Historical Context

The episode begins by setting the stage in May 1430, amidst the tumultuous Hundred Years War between England and France. France is embroiled in internal conflict, with factions supporting the Dauphin, Charles VII, and the Burgundians allied with the English. The constant warfare has left the land ravaged and the populace desperate for a turning point.

Joan's Early Life and Divine Visions

Sally Helm introduces Joan of Arc, a 16-year-old from the village of Domrémy, who begins experiencing divine visions. These visions, initially urging her to lead a pious life, soon compel her to take up arms in support of the Dauphin. As Prof. Charity Urbanski explains, "She was dedicated to her mission and sure of herself" (30:20).

Joining the Dauphin’s Court

Despite skepticism, the desperate Dauphin Charles VII agrees to hear Joan’s claims. After rigorous examinations to verify her virginity and divine origin, Joan is entrusted with a detachment of troops to lift the siege of Orleans. Charity Urbanski notes, "The dauphin is desperate," highlighting the Dauphin's need for a miracle to restore his legitimacy and rally his forces (13:25).

Siege of Orleans and Military Campaigns

On April 29, Joan leads her forces to the beleaguered city of Orleans. Initially met with skepticism, her presence and bravery inspire the French troops, leading to significant victories, including the decisive fall of an English fort by May 4. Nancy Goldstone remarks, "She’s actually wounded. She gets off her horse, she cries, she prays for like five minutes, and then she gets right back on and goes to the front" (20:38), illustrating Joan's unwavering courage.

Coronation of Charles VII

Encouraged by the successive victories, Joan persuades the Dauphin to march on Reims for his coronation, a symbolic act to solidify his claim to the French throne. On July 17, under Joan’s influence, Charles VII is crowned with her by his side, a moment described by Charity Urbanski as "a massive political coup" (23:06).

Conflicts and Capture

Despite initial successes, tensions between Joan and Charles VII emerge as the King grows wary of sharing the limelight. Attempting to capture Paris, the French forces are repelled, leading to Joan's retreat and eventual capture by Burgundian forces on May 1430. Nancy Goldstone explains, "Joan has been of the utmost military importance to the French army" (27:32).

Trial and Execution

Joan is sold to the English and subjected to a show trial aimed at discrediting her divine mission and undermining Charles VII's legitimacy. Accused of heresy, witchcraft, and cross-dressing, Joan remains resolute under intense interrogation. As Nancy Goldstone narrates, "Everything I have done is at God's command" (29:33), Joan steadfastly defends her actions.

Despite a coerced confession and attempts to force her into conformity, Joan's spirit remains unbroken. In May 1431, she is executed by burning at the stake, a tragic end to her courageous life. The episode highlights her composure and loyalty until the very end, with Charity Urbanski noting, "If they push her on a question that she doesn't want to answer, she tells them next, like, I'm not answering that. Move on" (30:20).

Posthumous Legacy

Two decades after her death, Charles VII recognizes Joan's true significance by holding a trial to exonerate her, leading to her canonization in 1920. Joan's legacy as a heroine and martyr endures, symbolizing courage and faith. Nancy Goldstone emphasizes, "It's the best story in all of history. It really is" (07:50).

Expert Insights

Throughout the episode, Prof. Charity Urbanski and Nancy Goldstone provide deep insights into Joan's life and the societal complexities of the Middle Ages. Urbanski highlights Joan as "a walking paradox," embodying both staunch piety and pragmatic leadership (34:51). Goldstone praises the narrative's universal appeal, attributing its enduring fascination to the dramatic transformation of an ordinary girl into a national savior.

Conclusion

"A Teenage Girl Saves France" offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Joan of Arc's extraordinary life. By combining historical narrative with expert analysis, HISTORY This Week presents Joan not just as a legendary figure, but as a complex individual whose faith and bravery significantly altered the course of French history. The episode underscores her timeless legacy as a symbol of resilience and divine inspiration.

Notable Quotes

• Nancy Goldstone: "It's the best story in all of history. It really is." (07:50)
• Charity Urbanski: "If they push her on a question that she doesn't want to answer, she tells them next, like, I'm not answering that. Move on." (30:20)
• Sally Helm: "Joan of Arc. Her name is so famous that it's almost hard to remember that she was a real person." (05:35)

Further Recommendations

For those interested in a deeper dive into Joan of Arc's life, Nancy Goldstone recommends Helen Castor's book, Joan of Arc: A History.

Credits

Special thanks to guests Nancy Goldstone and Charity Urbanski. The episode was produced by Julia Press, story edited by Jim O'Grady, with sound designed by Dan Rosado. Production team also includes Corinne Wallace, Chloe Weiner, Sally Helm, Hazel May, Emma Fredericks, Ben Dickstein, McCamey Lynn, and executive producer Jesse Katz.

Connect with HISTORY This Week

Stay informed about upcoming episodes and engage with the HISTORY This Week community by visiting historythisweekpodcast.com or emailing historythisweek@history.com.

This summary is intended for those who have not listened to the episode and provides a comprehensive overview of the key points, discussions, and insights presented in "A Teenage Girl Saves France."