William of Normandy
William’s personality is far more significant than people are accustomed to believe; not only did he manage to hold on to what he had conquered, but he also created a strong centralized state of which the French, for example, could not dream until the final stages of the Hundred Years’ War. William’s success in this endeavor was due to his steely will and his refusal to compromise or half-measures. He was a tough and brutal man, ready to do anything to achieve his goal. For example, early in his reign in England, William was severely limited in resources, with any castle or town in the vicinity potentially belonging to those who did not support his power. He turned to the age-old, effective scorched earth tactic of burning villages, destroying castles, and looting towns. On these ashes of a dying culture, new forts sprang up, but this time with Norman lords at the helm. So William was actively replacing the old Anglo-Saxon aristocracy with the new Norman one. William succeeded in creating the kingdom of his dreams.
Cosimo de Medici
His name is inextricably linked to the history of medieval Italy and all of Europe. He was the founder of the famous Medici dynasty, hence his nickname of the Old (or Elder), the richest man, merchant, banker, financier and statesman who managed to use his fortune wisely and become a very influential figure who played an important role in the economy, politics and cultural life of the Florentine Republic. It is interesting how Cosimo de Medici ruled the republic: concentrating in his hands the actual and sole power, he had no high titles and the post of gonfaloniere (head of the Signoria) was held only three times (for two months), while remaining a decisive figure until his death, a “gray cardinal” in the political life of Florence. The republican form of government was becoming more and more nominal. Key government positions were given to loyal and faithful followers, while Cosimo himself preferred to remain in the shadows. Aware of the power of capital, he easily ruined and destroyed opponents or, conversely, attracted the right people to his side. Money was his chief political weapon.
Johann Gutenberg
Johannes Gutenberg created the first printing press in 1440. The inventor became one of the most famous historical figures, because the process of printing changed considerably. Gutenberg, however, was not the inventor of printing books directly. The first printed texts date back to the sixth century. Johannes Gutenberg created a machine with movable letters, a product that greatly simplified the process of printing books. Gutenberg’s invention launched the printing industry in Europe. Similar machines became popular in many countries. By the end of the 15th century more than fifty printers were operating in Germany. European printers printed more than 30,000 books. This is how a new era in book printing began. The global printing industry would not have been possible without Gutenberg’s invention. The machine was not modified until the 18th century, but then the demand for printing products began to increase. The increase in circulation led to a number of changes in the printing process, including to reduce the cost of publications.
Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc, also known as the Maid of Orleans, is a national heroine of France. She was one of the commanders of the French army during the Hundred Years’ War. Once a prisoner of war, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake by the Inquisition. In 1920 the Catholic Church consecrated her a saint. During her trial, Joan of Arc sincerely confessed that she had a relationship with supernatural forces. This was used by the cunning Cochon, who distorted the girl’s words and accused her of communicating with the devil. It is an interesting fact that the Virgin of Orleans was not helped by the monarch, residents of Orleans or fellow servants. Joan of Arc was sentenced to execution by burning at the stake. The girl, as before, behaved courageously and calmly. While in the fire, she cried out to Jesus several times.
Reference
Thomas, F. X. N., Barry, S., Duane, O., Kristen, N., & Elinor, A. (2007). Western Civilization: Beyond Boundaries.