Charles de Gaulle Biography

Charles de Gaulle, a renowned figure in France’s political history, is still remembered by the masses today. From his early days at a military institution, he showcased his leadership abilities and potential to become a great military leader. Charles revolutionized war techniques, opting for innovative strategies such as infiltrating enemy territory to gather crucial information. He gained prominence for opposing the French government’s peace treaty with Nazi Germany and authored a book analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the German forces. Rising to the presidency, he served his country for eleven years, leaving behind a legacy of leadership that continues to inspire people.

Quick Facts

  • Nick Name: The Great Asparagus, Cyrano, Le grand Charles, La Grande Zohra
  • Also Known As: Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle
  • Died At Age: 79
  • Family:
    • Spouse/Ex-: Yvonne de Gaulle
    • Father: Henri de Gaulle
    • Mother: Jeanne Maillot de Gaulle
    • Siblings: Jaques de Gaulle, Marie-Agnes de Gaulle, Pierre de Gaulle, Xavier de Gaulle
    • Children: Anne de Gaulle, Élisabeth de Gaulle, Philippe de Gaulle
  • Born Country: France
  • Quotes By Charles De Gaulle
  • Presidents
  • Height: 6’5″ (196 cm), 6’5″ Males
  • Political ideology: (1947–55) – Political party Rally of the French People, (1955–58) – National Centre of Social Republicans, (1958–68) – Union for the New Republic
  • Died on: November 9, 1970
  • Place of death: Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, France
  • Ancestry: Irish French, German French
  • Notable Alumni: Collège Stanislas De Paris, Ecole Spéciale Militaire De Saint-Cyr
  • Cause of Death: Aneurysm
  • City: Lille, France
  • Founder/Co-Founder: Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, Free France, Rally of the French People, École nationale d’administration, Elf Aquitaine, French Community, CNES
  • More Facts
  • Education: Ecole Spéciale Militaire De Saint-Cyr, Collège Stanislas De Paris
  • Awards: Order of Liberation 1963 – National Order of Merit Croix de guerre 1914–1918 1915 – Croix de guerre 1939–1945 Royal Victorian Order 1965 – Order of the Elephant Order of the White Rose of Finland Order of the Dragon of Annam Royal Order of Cambodia 1960 – Royal Victorian Chain Order of the Royal House of Chakri 1920 – Silver Cross

Childhood & Early Life

Charles de Gaulle was born on November 22, 1890, in Lille, France. He was the fifth child of Henri de Gaulle, a teacher.

In 1909, Charles enrolled at the defense institution called ‘Saint Cyr’ with the goal of becoming a military leader. He graduated in 1912, ranking 13th out of 210 cadets for his exceptional performance. Many of his seniors believed that de Gaulle had the potential to become a great military leader.

Career

Unlike other cadets, Charles chose to work in France instead of relocating to another country. He joined the ’33rd Infantry Regiment’ division of the French armed forces and was stationed in the Arras region. During this time, he interacted with senior officers and developed new strategies to help win battles.

In 1915, de Gaulle began using a unique military strategy, which involved gathering information from enemy territory by infiltrating their land. He gained attention for his tactics and continued to serve in various military missions.

During the 1920s, Charles commanded a light infantry battalion and traveled to Syria and Rhineland for work-related assignments. In the 1930s, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and stationed in France.

World War II and Political Career

During World War II, de Gaulle played a significant role in the resistance against the German occupation of France. He formed the ‘Free French Forces’ army troupe, consisting of French natives living outside of France. In 1941, he founded the ‘Free French National’ and served as its president.

After the war, de Gaulle gained support from French nationals and was elected as the president of France in 1945. However, he resigned shortly after due to differences with the Communist party. He returned to power in 1958 and served as the 18th President of France. One of his major accomplishments was ending the violence in Algeria, which was a French colony.

De Gaulle stepped down from power in 1969 following a student revolt. He served as president for a total of eleven years.

Major Works and Awards

During World War II, de Gaulle led the ‘4e division cuirassee’ and successfully restricted the German forces to the Caumont region of France. He was awarded the ‘Grand Croix of the Legion d’Honneur’ in 1945 for his military leadership.

De Gaulle received numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of the Dragon of Annam’ and ‘Chief Commander of the US Legion of Merit’. He also received medals such as the ‘Medal of Mexico’ and the ‘Medal of the Rancagua of Chile’.

Personal Life & Legacy

Charles de Gaulle married Yvonne Vendroux in 1921, and they had three children together. Their daughter Anne suffered from Down’s syndrome and passed away at a young age.

De Gaulle was known for his strong Catholic beliefs and his opposition to pornography and short skirts. He wrote several books, including ‘The Enemy and the True Enemy’ and ‘Vers larmee de Metier’, which discussed military strategy and organization.

Charles de Gaulle passed away on November 9, 1970, at the age of 80. His death was caused by the rupture of a blood vessel.

Trivia

De Gaulle had a rivalry with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and opposed France’s membership in the ‘European Economic Committee’.

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