Grand Dukes of the West: A History of Valois Burgundy

The story of Valois Burgundy is one of the most exciting of the Late Middle Ages. The four Valois Dukes of Burgundy used political intrigue, calculated splendor, economic power, and good old-fashioned violence to forge a state out of the many Duchies and Counties between France and the Holy Roman Empire. During Burgundy’s height its Dukes were seen by many as the equals of Kings and Emperors and their court was at the center of Western Europe’s cultural and political development. And then it all fell apart. Please join me as I explore the history and legacy of this forgotten kingdom.
I've been saying for a while that the Burgundians used propaganda and public relations much more effectively than their opponents. In this episode I'll explore how they did that and what it meant.
For more on Burgundian Propaganda check out the work of Dr. Emily J. Hutchison.
Time Period Covered: 1401-1419

The Armagnac-Burgundian Civil War is at a fever pitch yet again. John the Fearless has launched a major expedition into the Ile de France while the Count of Armagnac struggles to maintain Armagnac control of Paris. Meanwhile, King Henry V of England has taken advantage of the chaos in France and launched another invasion of Normandy.
Time Period Covered: 1417-1418
Notable People: John the Fearless, Bernard VII Count of Armagnac, Charles VII of France, Henry V of England, Tanneguy du Chastel, Queen Isabeau
Notable Events/Developments: Armagnac-Burgundian Civil War, Burgundian Seizure of Paris, John the Fearless’ Hesdin Manifesto, English Invasion of Normandy
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