Charles VII

Charles VII (Victor) was also known as: Charles loyal to his duties (February 22, 1403-July 22, 1461) King of the Valois Dynasty of France (reigned 1422 - 1461). He eventually won the Hundred Years War, laying the foundation for France's prosperity in the next few centuries.

Charles VII was the son of Crazy Charles VI. The Treaty of Troyes signed in 1420 deprived him of his right to the throne and transferred it to King Henry V of England. When his father King Charles VI died, King Henry VI of England (son of Henry V) was declared King of France by the British. Charles VII, with the support of the Armagnates, effectively controlled the area south of the Loire River, and northern France fell completely under British rule.

After Joan of Arc's decisive victory at the Battle of Orleans in 1429, Charles VII saw hope again. With the support of Joan of Arc, Charles VII was crowned on July 17, 1429 at Reims Cathedral, where successive French kings were crowned. However, after Joan was captured by England's allies Burgundians, Charles VII, who had been greatly indebted to Joan, did not do anything to rescue her, resulting in Joan being burned to death in 1431.

In 1435, Charles VII reconciled with the Burgundian leader Philip III, Duke of Burgundy (Good Man), and was given the opportunity to recover Paris. In 1436, Charles VII entered Paris.

In 1438, Charles VII issued a state edict in Bruges to make the French Church obey the royal family to a certain extent. In 1439, the Order of Orleans was promulgated establishing the Standing Army. In 1440, Charles VII quelled the rebellion of the great aristocrats.

Charles VII ended the Hundred Years War in 1453 and recovered all British territory in France except Calais.

Comments: Winning the famous Centenary War in history played an important role in France's development and prosperity