The Rest Is History 635. Joan of Arc: For Fear of the Flames (Part 4)
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Jan 15, 2026 Explore the harrowing conditions of Joan of Arc's imprisonment and the charges she faced during her trial. Discover the motivations behind her captors as they aimed to undermine Charles VII through accusations of heresy. Joan's unwavering spirit shines as she recounts her divine visions, despite the overwhelming pressure. The discussion delves into her dramatic decision to recant, only to later resume her male attire, ultimately facing the flames of execution. Reflect on her legacy and the posthumous recognition that solidified her place in history.
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Henry VI's Empty Propaganda Moment
- Henry VI's arrival in Rouen failed as a propaganda coup because he was an uncharismatic nine-year-old who refused public display.
- The English needed spectacle to counter Charles VII's Reims coronation and Joan threatened that narrative.
A Legalistic, Not Merely Political, Trial
- Pierre Cauchon pursued Joan's trial as an ecclesiastical inquisition under strict canonical procedure.
- He prepared meticulously to avoid international criticism and to make the case appear legally robust.
The Trial's Surprisingly French Bench
- Despite English control, most judges and assessors at Joan's trial were French and Burgundian allies.
- The court's composition complicated the notion that it was a purely English kangaroo court.