Historical Context of Saint Joan
The Hundred Years' War
The story of Joan of Arc takes place during one of the most tumultuous periods in French history - the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453). This wasn't just one continuous war, but rather a series of conflicts between England and France that fundamentally shaped both nations.
NoteWhen Shaw wrote "Saint Joan" in 1923, he was particularly interested in how this medieval conflict reflected the nationalist movements of his own time.
During Joan's lifetime (1412-1431), France was in dire straits:
- The English controlled significant portions of French territory
- The French monarchy was divided by internal conflicts
- Charles VII (the Dauphin) hadn't been officially crowned
- The French people's morale was at an all-time low
Religious and Social Context
The medieval world Joan inhabited was deeply religious, with the Catholic Church wielding enormous power:
- The Church controlled education and moral authority
- Heresy was considered one of the gravest crimes
- Women had very limited roles in society and virtually none in warfare
Many readers mistakenly view Joan's story through a modern lens, but it's crucial to understand that in her time, her actions were truly revolutionary.
Political Landscape
The political situation was incredibly complex:
- Multiple power centers existed:
- The French Crown
- The English Crown
- The Catholic Church
- Various noble factions
- Key political figures:
