History of War Summary 2 - Hundred Years' War Part 8: France's Counteroffensive and Burgundy's Withdrawal

Even after Joan of Arc's death, Charles VII steadily strengthened France's military power. He reformed the tax system and developed a standing army, enabling the royal court to maintain stable military capabilities. Meanwhile, England found itself increasingly burdened by the costs of maintaining its vast territories in France. A decisive shift occurred with the Treaty of Arras in 1435. Duke Philip III of Burgundy reconciled with Charles VII, effectively withdrawing from his alliance with England. England lost one of its most crucial allies in France. Subsequently, the French forces expanded their offensive, recapturing Paris, and securing most of Normandy after their victory at the Battle of Formigny in 1450. By 1451, they had also captured Bordeaux, the heart of Aquitaine. England found it increasingly difficult to maintain its influence over the French throne, which it had gained through the Treaty of Troyes in the early 15th century. The nature of the war transformed from a contest for the French crown to a French counteroffensive aimed at reclaiming its territories.