Charles VII of France

Charles VII ascended to the French throne in 1422 under the most dire circumstances imaginable. The Kingdom of France was fragmented, with English forces occupying significant territories, including the capital, Paris, and Reims, the traditional site of coronation. The Treaty of Troyes (1420) had disinherited Charles, recognizing Henry V of England and his heirs as legitimate successors, a devastating blow to Valois legitimacy.

Compounding this external threat was internal strife: a brutal civil war raged between the Armagnacs, loyal to the Valois, and the Burgundian faction, allied with England. Charles's court was relegated to Bourges, leading to his derisive moniker, the 'King of Bourges,' a testament to his limited territorial control and perceived weakness. This period represented an existential crisis for the French monarchy, with the very survival of the Valois dynasty in question.

The emergence of Joan of Arc in 1429 marked a profound turning point. Her unwavering conviction and perceived divine mission galvanized French morale and military efforts. Leading French troops, Joan, alongside figures like Jean de Dunois, achieved critical victories, most notably lifting the Siege of Orléans.

This strategic success, followed by the victory at the Battle of Patay, shattered English military dominance along the Loire River. The subsequent opening of Reims to Charles VII for his coronation was a masterstroke of symbolic and political importance. It solidified his legitimacy, rallied wavering loyalties, and provided the spiritual and psychological impetus for further French resurgence.

Joan's influence extended beyond military tactics; she reignited a sense of national identity and purpose.

Following the pivotal events of 1429, Charles VII embarked on a calculated campaign of consolidation and expansion. A cornerstone of his strategy was diplomatic maneuvering, culminating in the Treaty of Arras in 1435. This treaty successfully detached the powerful Duchy of Burgundy from its English alliance, effectively neutralizing a major internal threat and isolating the English.

Simultaneously, Charles recognized the need for military reform. He established a professional, standing army, the first of its kind in Western Europe, funded by regular taxation. This professionalization, coupled with the development and deployment of advanced artillery, transformed French military capability.

The reconquest of Normandy in the 1440s and the decisive victory at the Battle of Castillon in 1453, which ended English territorial possessions in mainland France (except Calais), demonstrated the efficacy of these reforms and secured the kingdom.

Charles VII's reign is historically significant for definitively ending the Hundred Years' War and restoring the territorial integrity and authority of the French crown. His military innovations and diplomatic acumen laid the foundation for France's future rise as a major European power. He transitioned France from a feudal levy system to a more centralized, professional state.

However, his legacy is also marked by the turbulent relationship with his son, the future Louis XI. This paternal conflict, fueled by Louis's ambition and Charles's perceived favoritism towards his mistress, Agnès Sorel, led to open rebellion and strained the royal family. Despite these personal difficulties, Charles VII's ultimate achievement was the salvation and restoration of the French kingdom, earning him the enduring title 'the Victorious'.