Knobloch 1

James Knobloch 4/24/2014 Jenny Salata French 150 A 20th Century Man Charles de Gaulle was an extraordinary man. His record speaks for itself when discussing his accomplishments, and is the most important French historical figure in the 20th century. Charles de Gaulle did not shy away from controversial decisions and de Gaulle is not exactly a popular French historical figure in the United States or in England. He was a decorated soldier in World War I, an inspiring general for the free French forces in England during World War II, and was the first president of the Fifth Republic of France. He is Charles de Gaulle. Charles de Gaulle was born in Lille in 1890. He attended a military academy in 1909 called Saint-Cyr, and in 1912 enlisted in an infantry regiment under Colonel Philippe Ptain.1 He started World War I as a lieutenant. He was wounded a couple of times, earned a medal, and found himself promoted to captain. Charles de Gaulle fought in the Battle of Verdun, which started February 21st, 1916 with a ten hour artillery bombardment of French forces by the Germans with 1200 guns, and he was captured. Charles de Gaulle was released after the war ended in 1918. The end of World War I saw the start of de Gaulles controversial questioning skills. During the interwar period between World War I and World War II de Gaulle wrote several articles and books questioning the French military. He was openly critical of the French relying on the Maginot Line to defend themselves against Germany, and opted for a more mechanized
1

"Charles Andr Joseph Marie de Gaulle," The Biography.com website, http://www.biography.com/people/charlesde-gaulle-9269794 (accessed Apr 25 2014).

Knobloch 2

military due to the advancement of tank technology by the British, Americans, and especially the Germans.2 His critiques were widely disregarded by his French compatriots, and the French paid the price at the beginning of World War II. France was annihilated by the German blitzkrieg which involved a fast paced advance of tanks and infantry under an intense artillery barrage. Paris fell on June 14th, 1940 and de Gaulle fled to England while his at one time Commander Philippe Ptain struck a deal with the Nazis to keep southern France under his control. Charles de Gaulle did not accept his countrys surrender. He fled to England to lead the Free French until Paris was liberated in 1944. Upon his return home, de Gaulle received a heros welcome in the capital. Charles de Gaulle took a somewhat leave of absence, and returned to aid France in 1958 after a revolt in French held Algeria led to Algerian independence and termination of the Fourth Republic of France. Charles de Gaulle became president of France after a new constitution was drawn up. He stood against the formation of NATO, and vetoed the entry of Britain into the Common Market.3 Charles de Gaulles presidency took a turn for the worst in 1968 after protests led him to hold elections to which he was reelected. However, de Gaulle resigned in 1969 for good. Charles de Gaulle died in November of 1970. Charles de Gaulle is the most important French historical figure of the 20th century. His role in the first half and early second half of the century was critical. Charles de Gaulle helped propel France through difficult times, and stood firm in what he understood to be right. He was influential, controversial, and inspirational. He was Charles de Gaulle.

BBC. "." BBC News. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/gaulle_charles_de.shtml (accessed April 25, 2014). 3 BBC.

Knobloch 3

Works Cited: BBC. "." BBC News. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/gaulle_charles_de.shtml (accessed April 25, 2014).

Knobloch 4

"Charles Andr Joseph Marie de Gaulle," The Biography.com website, http://www.biography.com/people/charles-de-gaulle-9269794 (accessed Apr 25 2014).