Charles De Gaulle
Charles De Gaulle rose from French soldier in World War I to exiled leader and, eventually, president of the Fifth Republic.
President
November 22, 1890
Sagittarius
November 09, 1970
79
Lille, France
Charles de Gaulle was a prominent French statesman and army officer who played a crucial role in shaping modern France. He is best known for leading the Free French Forces during World War II and later re-establishing democracy in the country. As the founder of the French Fifth Republic, de Gaulle authored several books on military strategy and political theory, leaving a lasting legacy as an influential leader in French history. Some of his notable works include “Memoirs of Hope,” “The Edge of the Sword,” and “France and Her Army.”
Apart from his military and political pursuits, de Gaulle was an amateur painter who enjoyed creating sketches and paintings in his leisure time. He found this hobby relaxing and occasionally gifted his artwork to friends and allies.
Serving as the president of France from 1959 to 1969, de Gaulle founded the political party “Rally of the French People” and played a key role in drafting the Constitution of the Fifth Republic. This granted him full powers as the last President of the Fourth Republic, and his leadership and vision helped reestablish France’s global standing as a major power.
His other significant achievements include leading the Free French Forces against Nazi Germany during World War II, delivering speeches and writing on French nationalism and sovereignty, and working to strengthen France’s economy and military. Charles de Gaulle’s legacy as a statesman and military leader continues to be celebrated in France and worldwide. An interesting aspect of his life is his rise from a French soldier in World War I to an exiled leader and, ultimately, president of the Fifth Republic.