Charles de Gaulle
- Born:
- November 22, 1890, Lille, France
- Died:
- November 9, 1970, Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Military Officer, Statesman, Writer
Early Life and Education
- Born into a devout Catholic and patriotic family.
- Educated at the Collège Stanislas in Paris.
- Graduated from Saint-Cyr, the French military academy, in 1912.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served in World War I, was wounded and taken prisoner.
- Between the wars, advocated for mechanized warfare.
- During World War II, led the Free French Forces in opposition to Nazi Germany and the Vichy regime.
- Founded the Provisional Government of the French Republic in 1944, becoming its president.
- Resigned as President of the Provisional Government in 1946.
- Founded the Rassemblement du Peuple Français (RPF) in 1947.
- Became President of France in 1959, establishing the Fifth Republic.
- Oversaw the decolonization of French territories, particularly Algeria.
- Resigned as President of France in 1969.
- The search term 'charles de gaulle biography l'internaute cartesian' may lead to various online resources detailing his life and political career.
Notable Works
- La Discorde chez l'ennemi (1924)
- Le Fil de l'épée (1932)
- Vers l'armée de métier (1934)
- Mémoires de guerre (War Memoirs):
- L'Appel, 1940-1942 (1954)
- L'Unité, 1942-1944 (1956)
- Le Salut, 1944-1946 (1959)
- Mémoires d'espoir (Memoirs of Hope) (1970)
Legacy and Impact
Charles de Gaulle remains a pivotal figure in French history. He is credited with leading the Free French Forces during World War II, establishing the Fifth Republic, and overseeing the decolonization of French territories. His strong advocacy for French independence and his vision for a strong, sovereign nation have had a lasting impact on France's political landscape.