Charles de Gaulle during the Second World War

Charles de Gaulle as leader of Free France. US Office of War Information. Public domain or freely licensed; see source record.

Historical person · 20th Century

Charles de Gaulle

1890–1970

Leader of Free France and later founder-president of the Fifth Republic.

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Quick answers

What to know about Charles de Gaulle

Direct answers to common questions about Charles de Gaulle, followed by the full sourced biography.

Who was Charles de Gaulle?

Leader of Free France and later founder-president of the Fifth Republic. De Gaulle rejected the 1940 armistice and used broadcasts from London to claim continuity for a fighting France. He worked uneasily with Allied leaders and resistance movements before leading the provisional government. Returning in 1958, he reshaped the constitution and managed the end of the Algerian War.

What is Charles de Gaulle known for?

Charles de Gaulle is particularly known for Leader of Free France and later founder-president of the Fifth Republic., Second World War.

When did Charles de Gaulle live?

Charles de Gaulle lived 1890–1970. This profile places that life within 20th Century and Second World War.

Why is Charles de Gaulle historically significant?

Charles de Gaulle's career belongs within Second World War. Their career must be placed within a global coalition war shaped by occupation, genocide, mass mobilisation and civilian sacrifice. Decisions made by political and military leaders mattered, but outcomes depended on institutions, resources and millions of participants. The central subjects here are the events behind this.

Biography

Charles de Gaulle: life and legacy

Overview

De Gaulle rejected the 1940 armistice and used broadcasts from London to claim continuity for a fighting France. He worked uneasily with Allied leaders and resistance movements before leading the provisional government. Returning in 1958, he reshaped the constitution and managed the end of the Algerian War.

Life and career

De Gaulle rejected the 1940 armistice and used broadcasts from London to claim continuity for a fighting France. He worked uneasily with Allied leaders and resistance movements before leading the provisional government. Returning in 1958, he reshaped the constitution and managed the end of the Algerian War.

Key events

1890: Born. Charles de Gaulle was born in 1890. 20th Century: Historical career. Leader of Free France and later founder-president of the Fifth Republic.

1970: Died. Charles de Gaulle died in 1970.

Historical context

Charles de Gaulle's career belongs within Second World War. Their career must be placed within a global coalition war shaped by occupation, genocide, mass mobilisation and civilian sacrifice. Decisions made by political and military leaders mattered, but outcomes depended on institutions, resources and millions of participants. The central subjects here are the events behind this summary: Leader of Free France and later founder-president of the Fifth Republic.

Key moments

Timeline

  1. Born

    Charles de Gaulle was born in 1890.

  2. Historical career

    Leader of Free France and later founder-president of the Fifth Republic.

  3. Died

    Charles de Gaulle died in 1970.

Connections

Related people

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Evidence

Sources and further reading

  1. Charles de Gaulle reference searchEncyclopaedia Britannica
  2. Second World War research guidesThe National Archives
  3. Biographical records and portraitsNational Portrait Gallery
  4. Historical people and primary sourcesLibrary of Congress
  5. Historical figuresEncyclopaedia Britannica

Biographical claims are summarised from the sources above. Interpretation and disputed reputations are identified in the text rather than presented as settled fact.