Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle was born on 22 November 1890 in Lille, France. He was the third of five children in a devoutly Catholic family. His father, Henri de Gaulle, was a professor and later founded his own school. De Gaulle developed an early interest in military strategy, influenced by family discussions and historical events, particularly the French defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.De Gaulle attended the Collège Stanislas in Paris and later the military academy, Saint-Cyr, where he graduated in 1912. He served in World War I, where he was wounded multiple times and captured by German forces. During his captivity, he wrote about military strategy and attempted several escape plans. After the war, he served in various military roles, advocating for the modernization of the French Army through the use of armored divisions.In the lead-up to World War II, de Gaulle was appointed to command a tank division. He played a significant role during the German invasion of France in May 1940, where he led counterattacks despite the overall French defeat. After the French government signed an armistice with Germany, de Gaulle fled to England, where he called for continued resistance against the Nazis in his famous Appeal of 18 June 1940.De Gaulle became the leader of the Free French Forces and later the head of the French National Liberation Committee. He returned to France in June 1944 as the head of the Provisional Government following the liberation of Paris. He implemented dirigiste economic policies that contributed to France's post-war recovery, known as the Trente Glorieuses, a period of significant economic growth.In 1958, amid the Algerian War and political instability in the Fourth Republic, de Gaulle was called back to power. He established the Fifth Republic, which included a new constitution that strengthened the presidency. He was elected President of France later that year and served until his resignation in 1969. During his presidency, he pursued an independent foreign policy, including the development of France's nuclear capabilities and improved relations with Germany through the Élysée Treaty.De Gaulle's presidency was marked by significant events, including the end of the Algerian War, which resulted in Algerian independence in 1962. He faced challenges from various political factions and widespread protests in May 1968. After losing a referendum on decentralization in 1969, he resigned from the presidency.De Gaulle retired to his estate in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, where he continued to write his memoirs. He died on 9 November 1970 from an aneurysm. His funeral was a significant national event, attended by many dignitaries. De Gaulle's legacy includes his role in shaping modern France, his influence on French politics, and his vision of a strong, independent France on the global stage.

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Charles de Gaulle