Charles de Gaulle (1890 – 1970) French resistance leader and President 1959 – 1969

 Charles de Gaulle Biography

The following is a documentary about the life of Charles de Gaulle, a French general and statesman who played a significant role in the history of France.

Charles de Gaulle was born on November 22, 1890, in Lille, France. He was the third of five children born to Henri and Jeanne de Gaulle. Growing up, Charles was an intelligent and curious child, and his parents instilled in him a sense of patriotism and duty.

Early Life

De Gaulle attended military school at Saint-Cyr, where he excelled as a student and was awarded the Sword of Honor upon graduation. He served in the French Army during World War I, where he was wounded several times and earned several medals for bravery.

Political career

After the war, de Gaulle turned to politics, and his strong opinions and unwavering principles quickly made him a force to be reckoned with. In 1940, when Germany invaded France, de Gaulle fled to England and established a government-in-exile. He rallied the French Resistance and led them in a campaign to liberate France.

In 1944, de Gaulle returned to France as the head of the provisional government. He went on to become the first president of the French Fifth Republic in 1958, a position he held until 1969.

Legacy

De Gaulle's legacy in France is immense. He is credited with modernizing the French economy, reforming the education system, and expanding social welfare programs. He also strengthened France's position in the world, particularly in relation to the United States and the Soviet Union.

Conclusion

Charles de Gaulle was a towering figure in French history, a man who dedicated his life to his country and its people. He remains an inspiration to many, and his legacy continues to shape the course of French politics and society today.