Sharle de Gaulle French general, president Date of Birth: 22.11.1890 Country: France

1. Biography of Charles de Gaulle
2. The Mysterious Hero
3. The Early Years
4. Military Career and Philosophical Influences
5. World War II and the Free French Movement
6. The Leader of Free France
7. The Fight for France

Biography of Charles de Gaulle

Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle was born on November 22, 1890, in Lille, France. During his eighty years of life, he became the greatest hero of France after Joan of Arc. He twice led the country, both times assuming leadership during times of national crisis and leaving the state in a state of economic growth and international prestige. De Gaulle also wrote over a dozen books, including memoirs and theoretical works on military art, some of which are still bestsellers today. Despite being known as an authoritarian figure, de Gaulle, who had near-absolute power, voluntarily resigned twice from his position. He left behind one of the most stable political systems among European democracies, known as the Fifth Republic, which France still operates under today.

The Mysterious Hero

Charles de Gaulle has remained one of the most enigmatic figures in recent European history. His actions and beliefs have been emulated by many political leaders. His life, attitude towards duty, and convictions have become a model for many generations.

The Early Years

De Gaulle was born into a well-off family, and his parents were devout Catholics. His father, Henri de Gaulle, was a teacher of philosophy and history at the Jesuit College on Vaugirard Street. Charles received a religious education and had a keen interest in literature from a young age. He even wrote poetry and won a school competition, choosing publication over a monetary prize. Charles was also fascinated by history, especially his own family's past, which included a legend that one of his ancestors fought alongside Joan of Arc. In his dreams, de Gaulle fought alongside the revered French saint, and this experience played a significant role in shaping his character.

Military Career and Philosophical Influences

De Gaulle developed an interest in four disciplines - literature, history, philosophy, and military art - from a young age. The philosopher who had the greatest influence on him was Henri Bergson, from whom the young man drew two important ideas that not only shaped his worldview but also influenced his practical decision-making. First, Bergson believed in the natural division of people into privileged classes and oppressed masses, which formed the basis for the superiority of dictatorship over democracy. Second, the philosophy of intuition, which posited that human activity was a combination of instinct and reason. De Gaulle applied this principle numerous times when making important decisions, sometimes leading him to great success and other times leading to failure.

World War II and the Free French Movement

When World War II broke out, de Gaulle participated in the intervention in Soviet Russia as an instructor in the Polish forces. He later served in the occupation forces in the Rhineland region and took part in the ill-fated invasion of the Ruhr, which ended in failure. During this time, he wrote several books, including "Discord in the Enemy's Ranks," which criticized the actions of the German army and government during World War I. These books received praise for their fresh ideas, including the notion that military administration should be subordinate to civilian authority even during times of war.

The Leader of Free France

After the fall of France and the signing of the armistice, de Gaulle found himself in London, where he quickly established the organization "Free France." He demanded airtime on the British radio, which reached occupied France and the territories controlled by the Vichy regime. On June 18, 1940, de Gaulle delivered his first address to the nation, becoming a symbol of resistance and hope for the French people. Despite facing difficulties and opposition from various fronts, including the Vichy regime and the Anglo-Americans, de Gaulle managed to create a centralized and independent organization, with its own information headquarters and armed forces. He gathered individuals who were previously strangers to him, and each person who joined the Free France movement had to pledge complete obedience to de Gaulle.

The Fight for France

From 1940 to 1942, the number of soldiers fighting under the banner of "Free (later Fighting) France" grew from 7,000 to 70,000. De Gaulle's actions and leadership inspired many to join the resistance movement. His efforts aimed to not only save France but also preserve its honor, unity, and independence. He believed that if France were to surrender and accept defeat, it would forever tarnish the nation's spirit and the lives of future generations of French people. Despite the challenges he faced, de Gaulle remained determined to secure victory for France.

Overall, Charles de Gaulle's life and actions were shaped by extraordinary circumstances in which France found itself. His military career and philosophical influences, along with his leadership during World War II, solidified his place as a revered figure in French history. His legacy continues to be debated, but there is no doubt that de Gaulle left an indelible mark on France and its political system.