Siege of Orléans

The siege of Orléans (1428–1429) marked a turning point in the Hundred Years' War between France and England. This was the French Royal army's first major military victory while Joan of Arc was with the army, and the first major French success to follow the crushing defeat at Agincourt in 1415. The outset of this siege marked the pinnacle of English power during the later stages of the war. The city held strategic and symbolic significance to both sides of the conflict. The consensus among contemporaries was that the English regent, John of Lancaster, would succeed in realizing Henry V's dream of conquering all of France if Orléans fell. For half a year the English appeared to be winning, but the siege collapsed nine days after Joan's arrival.