BIOGRAPHY

Charles de Gaulle was a French army officer and statesman known for leading the Free French Forces against Nazi Germany in World War II and later shaping the course of French politics. Born in Lille in November 22 1890, he distinguished himself during World War I and advocated for military reforms between the wars.

During World War II, de Gaulle famously refused to accept France's armistice with Germany and rallied the French to continue resistance from exile in England. He led the Free French Forces and played a key role in France's liberation, heading the Provisional Government after the war.

In 1958, amidst the Algerian War, de Gaulle returned to power as Prime Minister and rewrote the French Constitution, founding the Fifth Republic. He served as President until 1969, implementing dirigiste economic policies and granting independence to Algeria.

De Gaulle pursued a policy of national independence, withdrawing from NATO's integrated command and developing France's nuclear capabilities. He also fostered closer Franco-German relations and opposed supranational European integration.

Despite facing challenges such as student and worker protests in May 1968, de Gaulle retained support and won re-election. He resigned in 1969 following a failed referendum on decentralization and passed away in 1970, leaving behind an unfinished memoir. His legacy as a symbol of French strength and independence endures in French politics and culture.