The biography of Charles de Gaulle is of great interest to everyone who is fond of modern politics. This is a French statesman and military leader, general. During the Second World War, he became one of the active participants in the Resistance. Founder of the Fifth Republic. From 1959 to 1969 he occupied the chair of the president. In this article we will talk about his fate, political career and personal life.
Childhood and youth
We will begin to tell the biography of Charles de Gaulle from 1890, when he was born in Lille. The boy grew up in a Catholic and patriotic family. His father was a professor of philosophy. Young Charles has been addicted to reading since childhood. The history of his native country amazed him so much that the future president formed a mystical concept of serving France.
From a young age, a passion for military affairs played a large role in the biography of Charles de Gaulle. He entered the Special School in Saint-Cyr, deciding that he would serve in the infantry, as it is located in close proximity to the main military operations. Since 1912 he has been in the infantry regiment under the command of Colonel Peten.
World War I
Two years after this, the First World War begins, which leaves a big mark in the biography of Charles de Gaulle. In military operations, he participates in the army of Charles Lanrezac, who is fighting in the northeast.
Already on August 15, 1914, he received his first wound. Returns only in October. In the spring of 1916, he was wounded again at the battle of Menil-les-Yurly. In the rank of captain, he was wounded for the third time in the Battle of Verdun. De Gaulle remains on the battlefield, honors from the army are already being posthumously sent to his family. However, he survives after being captured by the Germans. After Mayen Hospital Charles is transferred to various fortresses. The officer makes six attempts to escape.
He managed to free himself only after the conclusion of a truce - in November 1918. While in custody, the hero of our article writes his first book, entitled "Discord in the Camp of the Enemy."
Peaceful life
After World War I, normal life temporarily sets in. He teaches the theory of tactics in Poland, then briefly participates in the Soviet-Polish war of 1919-1921.
Returning to his homeland, he marries Yvonne Vandra, who at the end of 1921 gives birth to his son, Philip. Two years later, a daughter, Elizabeth, was born. The third child in the family of the future president is Anna. The youngest girl, who appeared in 1928, suffered from Down syndrome. At the age of 20 she died. De Gaulle became the trustee of a charitable foundation for children with such a problem. In the 30s, he received the rank of colonel, earning a reputation as a military theorist.
Resistance to fascism
On the eve of World War II, de Gaulle was appointed to the post of commander of tank forces. In May 1940, when the situation of France was critical, de Gaulle became a brigadier general and deputy defense minister. In this status, he is trying to resist plans for a truce. As a result, French Prime Minister Reynaud resigned, and Petten, who took his place, immediately began negotiations on a ceasefire with Germany. Immediately after this, de Gaulle flew to London, not wanting to participate in this.
Telling a brief biography of Charles de Gaulle, it should be noted that this moment was a turning point in his career. On June 18, he addresses the nation by radio, calling for the creation of the Resistance. Petten’s government he accuses of betrayal.
As a result, it was the Resistance that played an important role in the liberation of France from the Nazis. The hero of our article participates in a solemn procession through the streets of Paris.
Interim government
After the victory over Germany, it was de Gaulle in August 1944 that he was at the head of the Provisional Government. He remains at this post for a year and a half, in which, according to many, saves France from exclusion from the great powers.
At the same time, it is necessary to solve numerous social problems. The country has high unemployment, low living standards. The situation cannot be improved even after the parliamentary elections, since not a single party gains an overwhelming advantage. The Communists, who make Maurice Theresa the Prime Minister, win.
De Gaulle goes into opposition, hoping at the head of the "Association of the French people" to come to power. As a result, he actually declares war on the Fourth Republic, each time claiming that he has the right to power, since it was he who led the country to liberation. However, there were many careerists in the party. Some managed to prove themselves not in the best way during the Vichy regime. In municipal elections, the party fails, and in 1953 de Gaulle dismissed it.
Return to power
The fourth republic is in a protracted crisis by 1958. It is compounded by a protracted war in the French colony in Algeria. In May, Charles de Gaulle appealed to the people, saying that he was ready to take over the leadership of the country. In another situation, this might look like a call for a coup. However, France is now facing a real threat. In Algeria, the situation is critical: the military demands the creation of a "government of public trust." Pflimlen’s government resigns, President Coty calls on the National Assembly to elect de Gaulle as Prime Minister.
Creation of the Fifth Republic
Returning to power, the politician Charles de Gaulle carries out constitutional reforms. He expressed his ideas in the postwar years. De Gaulle advocates the separation of executive and legislative powers, with the president having the basic powers.
The powers of parliament are significantly limited. The head of state is now determined by a collegium of 80 thousand electors, and since 1962 a popular vote has been introduced for the president. In the biography, the policy of Charles de Gaulle becomes significant on January 8, 1959, when the inauguration ceremony takes place. Previously, 75.5% of electors cast their votes for him.
Foreign policy
The primary concern, according to de Gaulle, was the decolonization of France. After that, he hoped to begin social and economic transformations. When trying to solve the problem of Algeria, the president met resistance in his own government. The politician himself was inclined to the option of association, when in an African country the government would be elected by national composition, relying on foreign policy and economic alliance with France.
Already on September 8, the first of 15 assassinations organized by the ultra-right Organization of the Secret Army took place. A total of 32 assassination attempts were made on the French president throughout his life. The war in Algeria ended with the signing of agreements in Evian. They led to a referendum and the formation of an independent Algeria.
Relations with NATO
In foreign policy, Charles de Gaulle makes crucial decisions, breaking off relations with the United States and NATO. France begins to actively test nuclear weapons, which causes America's discontent. In 1965, de Gaulle announced the country's refusal to use the dollar in international payments and the transition to the gold standard.
In February 1966, France withdraws from NATO. In the international arena, the French position sharply becomes anti-American.
Domestic policy
Charles de Gaulle's domestic politics had many questions. Many of his decisions were criticized. Due to the unsuccessful agrarian reform, which culminated in the liquidation of a large number of peasant farms, the standard of living in the country decreased markedly. The arms race and the growing influence of domestic monopolies also influenced this. As a result, the government already in 1963 actively called for self-restraint.
The number of unemployed in the country was constantly growing, mainly among them were representatives of youth. At the same time, two million workers received the minimum wage and were forced to survive. This group included women factory workers and immigrants. City slums were constantly growing.
Even privileged groups had cause for concern. The propaganda of higher education has led to a shortage of places in student dormitories, problems with the material support of universities and transport. In 1967, the government began to talk about tightening university selection, which led to unrest among students. Unions opposed the Social Security Ordinance.
The political situation was also unstable at that time. There were several left-wing groups that went into power. Among them were Trotskyists, anarchists, Maoists. Campaigning was actively conducted among young people, primarily among students. In addition, anti-war sentiments were active: in France they created an anti-nuclear movement.
Active radio propaganda was conducted on radio and television. Only newspapers remained independent. The prestige policy that de Gaulle positioned and his nationalism at that time no longer met the cultural, material and social expectations of most French. It is socio-economic policy that has become an important factor in the loss of confidence in it.
Resentment was caused by the figure of the politician himself. To youth, he seemed authoritarian and non-modern. Charles de Gaulle had many miscalculations in economic policy, which ultimately led to the fall of his administration.
The May events of 1968 became decisive. They began with the left-handed speeches of students, which resulted in riots and demonstrations. It all ended in a 10 millionth strike. This led to a change of government and the resignation of the president.
