Charles De Gaulle: A Complex and Enigmatic Figure in French History

Charles De Gaulle was a towering figure in French history, a military leader who led his country to victory in World War II and a statesman who guided it through a period of profound social and political change. A complex and enigmatic figure, De Gaulle was both admired and reviled, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most influential French leaders of the 20th century.

Charles de Gaulle (Routledge Historical Biographies)

by Andrew Knapp

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2564 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	472 pages
Hardcover	:	322 pages
Item Weight	:	1.22 pounds
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.92 x 9 inches

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Early Life and Military Career

De Gaulle was born in Lille, France, in 1890. He attended the prestigious École Polytechnique and served in the French army during World War I. After the war, he served in various staff positions and taught at the École de Guerre. In 1940, De Gaulle was appointed commander of the 4th Armored Division, and he played a key role in the Battle of France.

After the fall of France, De Gaulle escaped to England, where he established the Free French Forces. De Gaulle's forces fought alongside the Allies in North Africa, Italy, and France, and he played a key role in the liberation of France. After the war, De Gaulle served as head of the Provisional Government of France from 1944 to 1946.

Return to Power and the Fifth Republic

In 1958, De Gaulle was recalled to power during the Algerian Crisis. He founded the Fifth Republic and served as its first president from 1959 to 1969. During his presidency, De Gaulle oversaw a period of economic growth and prosperity, and he also played a key role in France's decolonization. De Gaulle also pursued an independent foreign policy, and he withdrew France from NATO.

De Gaulle was a controversial figure, and his presidency was marked by both successes and failures. He was admired for his leadership during World War II and for his role in France's decolonization. However, he was also criticized for his authoritarian style of government and for his handling of the Algerian Crisis.

Legacy

De Gaulle died in 1970, but his legacy continues to inspire debate. He is considered one of the most important figures in French history, and his ideas continue to influence French politics today. De Gaulle was a complex and enigmatic figure, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most influential French leaders of the 20th century.

Charles De Gaulle was a towering figure in French history. He was a military leader who led his country to victory in World War II, and he was a statesman who guided it through a period of profound social and political change. A complex and enigmatic figure, De Gaulle was both admired and reviled, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most influential French leaders of the 20th century.

Charles de Gaulle (Routledge Historical Biographies)

by Andrew Knapp

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2564 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	472 pages
Hardcover	:	322 pages
Item Weight	:	1.22 pounds
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.92 x 9 inches

FREE