Historical Figures

Charles VII the Victorious(1403 - 1461)

Son of Charles VI, his legitimacy (questionable according to the Treaty of Troyes) was recognized by the Armagnacs and he benefited the support of Joan of Arc, whose victories over the English opened the way for him to Reims, where, until then called the "king of Bourges", he was crowned in 1429. The impulse given by Joan continued after his death (1431); thus, in 1453, the English retained only Calais. Charles VII strengthened the royal authority by creating a permanent army (free archers, ordinance companies) and permanent taxes (size, aids). The pragmatic sanction of Bourges (1438) restricted the pope's power over the Church of France.

Charles VI the Fool Louis XI