Directory

1428 CE

A year defined by the English siege of Orleans that threatened to extinguish French resistance, the Le Loi victory that ended Ming rule in Vietnam, and the continuing Hussite challenge in Central Europe.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • The English began the siege of Orleans in October, targeting the last major Dauphinist stronghold on the Loire and threatening to collapse Charles VII's position entirely.
  • Le Loi defeated the Ming Chinese forces in Vietnam, culminating in the withdrawal of Chinese troops and the restoration of Vietnamese independence under the Later Le Dynasty.

Conflict & Security

  • The English siege of Orleans began on October 12, with the Earl of Salisbury leading forces to encircle the strategically vital Loire crossing.
  • The Earl of Salisbury was killed by a cannon shot during the early stages of the siege of Orleans, depriving the English of their most capable commander in France.
  • Le Loi's forces achieved decisive victory over the Ming Chinese at the Battle of Chi Lang-Xuong Giang, effectively ending Chinese occupation of Vietnam.
  • Hussite armies continued their raids into neighboring territories, devastating areas of Silesia, Bavaria, and Franconia.

Economy & Finance

  • The English siege of Orleans disrupted trade along the Loire, one of the most important commercial waterways in France.
  • The withdrawal of Ming forces from Vietnam ended the costly occupation and allowed the restoration of Vietnamese commerce and agriculture.

Technology & Infrastructure

  • Brunelleschi's dome on Florence Cathedral was substantially complete, with the lantern at the top still to be added to crown the achievement.
  • The siege of Orleans employed the latest siege technology, with both attackers and defenders using cannon and other gunpowder weapons.
  • Military engineering advanced as English forces at Orleans constructed elaborate siege works including bastilles and earthen fortifications.

Science & Discovery

  • Ulugh Beg's observatory in Samarkand continued its observations, working toward the completion of the Zij-i Sultani star catalogue.

Health & Medicine

  • The siege of Orleans exposed both soldiers and civilians to the health hazards of siege warfare, including disease, malnutrition, and wound infection.

Climate & Environment

  • Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was approximately 272 parts per million, as later confirmed by ice core analysis.

Culture & Society

  • Le Loi's victory in Vietnam was accompanied by a cultural revival, as Vietnamese scholars and artists reasserted national traditions after Ming occupation.
  • The estimated global population was approximately 385 million, with gradual demographic recovery continuing across most world regions.