Charles de Gaulle was a towering figure in French history, known for his pivotal roles in both military and political spheres. Born on November 22, 1890, in Lille, France, he was not only a military leader but also became the first president of the Fifth Republic of France from 1959 to 1969.
De Gaulle graduated from the prestigious Saint-Cyr Military Academy in 1912. His early military service during World War I saw him injured at the Battle of Verdun, where he was captured and spent 32 months as a prisoner of war. This experience profoundly influenced his views on warfare and leadership.
After the outbreak of World War II, de Gaulle emerged as a leading military figure. He became Under-Secretary of State for National Defence and War in June 1940, just before the fall of Paris to the German forces. Disagreeing with the French government's decision to seek an armistice with Germany, de Gaulle fled to London where he made his famous "Appeal of 18 June" via the BBC, rallying French resistance against the occupation.
De Gaulle established the Free French Forces, which played a crucial role in the Allied efforts. His leadership was instrumental in maintaining French national integrity and resistance against the Axis powers. He was recognized as the leader of the Free French and later as the head of the Provisional Government of the French Republic after the liberation of Paris in August 1944.
After the war, de Gaulle initially retired from politics but returned in 1958 during the Algerian War crisis, when he was called upon to lead the nation. He established the Fifth Republic, significantly strengthening the role of the presidency. His policies included:
De Gaulle's presidency ended in 1969 after losing a referendum on regionalization and Senate reform. He retired to Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, where he died on November 9, 1970. His legacy includes the Charles de Gaulle Airport, named in his honor, and the Gaullism political philosophy, which emphasizes French independence, national sovereignty, and a strong state.