Charles de Gaulle

Charles de Gaulle (1890–1970) was a French military commander, statesman, and writer, a key figure in 20th-century French history. He was born in Lille and educated at the prestigious Saint-Cyr military academy. He fought in World War I, where he was wounded and captured, and his experiences of the war profoundly shaped his views on military strategy and national policy.

During World War II, after the capitulation of France in 1940, de Gaulle issued a call from London to resist the occupation, founding the Free French movement. His appeal on 18 June 1940 became a symbol of the French Resistance. He led a provisional government after the liberation in 1944, but retired from politics in 1946, dissatisfied with the direction of the country.

In 1958, amid a political crisis in Algeria, he returned to power and became President of the Fifth Republic. During his term, he implemented reforms, including strengthening the executive branch and decolonization. He is particularly known for his policy of national independence and his distancing himself from American dominance within NATO. He remained president until 1969, when he resigned after an unsuccessful referendum.

As a writer, de Gaulle is the author of numerous works, most famously the "War Memoirs" (1954–1959), in which he presents his own role and vision for France. His writing style is sublime, full of rhetorical force and patriotic spirit.