# Charles de Gaulle

> French general and statesman (1890–1970)

**Wikidata**: [Q2042](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2042)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_de_Gaulle)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-de-gaulle

## Summary

Charles de Gaulle was born on November 22, 1890, in Lille[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] and died of an aneurysm on November 9, 1970, in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises[1][2][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][18][19][20][17][21][22]. A French citizen, he was the son of Henri de Gaulle. He married Yvonne de Gaulle in 1921, a union that lasted until 1970, and they had three children: Anne, Philippe, and Élisabeth de Gaulle[23].He was educated at the Collège Stanislas de Paris, the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, and the École supérieure de guerre. His professional roles included military officer, military theorist, statesperson, politician, and memoirist[14]. He was also a member of Ordre Nouveau[24].Throughout his career, he held several prominent positions. He served as president of the Provisional Government of the French Republic and French co-prince of Andorra from 1944 to 1946. Later, he was President of the Council from 1958 to 1959 and President of the French Republic from 1959 to 1969. His awards included the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit, Companion of the Liberation, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, and Godfather promotion of Special Military School of Saint-Cyr, among others[25].

## Summary
Charles de Gaulle was a French general and statesman who lived from 1890 to 1970, serving as a pivotal military officer and politician in France. He is best known for leading the Free French Forces during World War II and later establishing the Fifth Republic as its first President. His legacy includes significant contributions to French military strategy, national sovereignty, and the modernization of the French government.

## Biography
- **Born**: November 22, 1890
- **Nationality**: French
- **Education**: École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (French military academy), Collège Stanislas de Paris (private Catholic school), École supérieure de guerre (former military school)
- **Known for**: Leading the Free French Forces during World War II, founding the Fifth Republic, and serving as President of France
- **Employer(s)**: French military, French government, Free French Forces
- **Field(s)**: Military officer, statesperson, politician, memoirist

## Contributions
Charles de Gaulle's contributions span military leadership, political restructuring, and literary works. He led the Free French Forces during World War II, playing a crucial role in the liberation of France, including the Liberation of Paris in 1944. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958, which redefined the French political system. Additionally, he authored several memoirs, contributing to the historical record of his era. His leadership during the Algerian War (1954–1962) and his role in the Battle of Verdun during World War I further highlight his military impact.

## FAQs
**What were Charles de Gaulle's primary roles in French history?**
Charles de Gaulle served as a military officer during both World Wars and as a statesman who founded the Fifth Republic. He led the Free French Forces during World War II and later became the President of France, shaping the country's post-war political landscape.

**Which military decorations did Charles de Gaulle receive?**
He received numerous awards, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, and the Croix de guerre 1939–1945. He was also honored with international decorations such as the Royal Victorian Chain and the Order of the Elephant.

**What educational institutions did Charles de Gaulle attend?**
He studied at Collège Stanislas de Paris, the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, and the École supérieure de guerre. These institutions provided him with the military and strategic knowledge that defined his career.

**How did Charles de Gaulle influence French politics?**
He established the Fifth Republic in 1958, creating a semi-presidential system that strengthened the executive branch. His leadership helped stabilize France during the Algerian War and redefined the country's role in international affairs.

**What is the legacy of Charles de Gaulle in modern France?**
His legacy includes the enduring Fifth Republic, the establishment of France as a nuclear power, and the promotion of French sovereignty on the global stage. Many institutions, such as the Charles de Gaulle Airport and the Fondation Charles-de-Gaulle, bear his name.

## Why They Matter
Charles de Gaulle's impact on France and the world is profound. He transformed France from a defeated nation in World War II into a leading global power with a strong nuclear arsenal and a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. His political reforms, particularly the creation of the Fifth Republic, provided a stable framework for French governance that continues today. Without his leadership, France might have remained politically fragmented and less influential in international affairs. His vision of a sovereign France, independent of foreign domination, shaped the country's identity and its role in Europe and the world.

## Notable For
- Leading the Free French Forces during World War II
- Founding the Fifth Republic and serving as its first President
- Receiving the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
- Being the godfather promotion of the Special Military School of Saint-Cyr
- Authoring influential memoirs
- Establishing France as a nuclear-armed state
- Playing a key role in the Liberation of Paris
- Receiving numerous international honors, including the Royal Victorian Chain and the Order of the Elephant
- Influencing the Algerian War and its resolution
- Inspiring the creation of institutions like the Charles de Gaulle Airport and the Fondation Charles-de-Gaulle

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Charles de Gaulle was born on November 22, 1890, in France. He received his early education at Collège Stanislas de Paris, a private Catholic school. He later attended the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, a prestigious French military academy, and the École supérieure de guerre, where he honed his military strategies. These institutions laid the foundation for his future career as a military officer and statesman.

### Military Career
De Gaulle's military career began in World War I, where he fought in the Battle of Verdun in 1916. He was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 for his bravery. During World War II, he became a central figure in the Free French Forces, leading the resistance against Nazi Germany. His leadership was crucial in the Liberation of Paris in 1944 and other key battles, including the Battle of Dakar and the Battle of Gabon. He also played a role in the Polish–Soviet War and the Algerian War, further cementing his reputation as a military strategist.

### Political Leadership
After World War II, de Gaulle transitioned into politics, becoming a key figure in the French government. He founded the Fifth Republic in 1958, establishing a semi-presidential system that strengthened the executive branch. As the first President of the Fifth Republic, he oversaw significant political and social reforms, including the resolution of the Algerian War. His leadership helped stabilize France and redefined its role in international affairs.

### Awards and Recognition
De Gaulle received numerous awards and honors throughout his life. He was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest rank of the French Legion of Honour. He also received the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 and the Croix de guerre 1939–1945 for his military service. Internationally, he was honored with the Royal Victorian Chain, the Order of the Elephant, and the Order of the Royal House of Chakri. Additionally, he was made an honorary doctor of the University of Brasília.

### Legacy and Influence
Charles de Gaulle's legacy is evident in modern France and beyond. He established France as a nuclear-armed state and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. His political reforms, particularly the creation of the Fifth Republic, provided a stable framework for French governance. Many institutions, such as the Charles de Gaulle Airport, the Charles de Gaulle Memorial, and the Fondation Charles-de-Gaulle, bear his name. His influence extends to the global stage, where he is remembered as a leader who championed French sovereignty and independence.

### Personal Life and Death
De Gaulle passed away on November 9, 1970, leaving behind a legacy of military and political leadership. His life and work continue to inspire generations of French citizens and leaders. The Charles de Gaulle Memorial, established in 2008, serves as a tribute to his contributions to France and the world. His birthplace, now a museum, preserves his memory and educates visitors about his life and achievements.

## References

1. Catálogo de autoridades BNMM
2. National Library of Brazil
3. datos.bne.es
4. BnF authorities
5. Integrated Authority File
6. [birth certificate](https://archives.lille.fr/ark:/74900/c9n2fjvqgxtp/1423e394-d12b-45ba-a1c9-40c6170ed566)
7. Charles de Gaulle. Anne Frank Knowledge Base
8. The Peerage
9. The Fine Art Archive
10. [Dettaglio decorato. Presidency of the Italian Republic](http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=32805)
11. [Source](https://www.legiondhonneur.fr/fr/actualites/les-insignes-de-lordre-de-lelephant-demmanuel-macron-deposes-au-musee/1774/2)
12. [Source](https://datastore.brussels/web/data/dataset/ereburgers2/dataset-viewer-resource)
13. The orders of the White Rose of Finland and the Order of the Lion of Finland
14. [Source](https://www.mons.be/ma-commune/vie-politique/conseil-communal/ordres-du-jour-et-proces-verbaux/archives/2002/conseil-2002-06-23/pv-23-juin-02.pdf)
15. [Source](https://www.royalcourt.no/tildelinger.html?tid=28028&sek=&q=charles&type=27117&aarstall=)
16. TracesOfWar
17. International Standard Name Identifier
18. CiNii Research
19. Virtual International Authority File
20. MusicBrainz
21. [Source](https://www.gaullisme.net/gaullisme-droite-gauche.html)
22. [Source](https://francearchives.fr/fr/file/ad46ac22be9df6a4d1dae40326de46d8a5cbd19d/FRSHD_PUB_00000355.pdf)
23. [Source](https://vls.hsa.ethz.ch/client/link/de/archiv/einheit/ab3f54e951d04740ad399d42d91cc4c4)
24. [Source](http://www.rfi.fr/france/20101109-il-y-quarante-ans-derniers-mots-general-gaulle-j-ai-mal-le-dos)
25. [NDR.de](https://www.ndr.de/ratgeber/gesundheit/Bauchaortenaneurysma-Ultraschall-und-OP-retten-Leben,bauchaortenaneurysma100.html)
26. Find a Grave
27. Charles André Joseph Marie De Gaulle. Léonore database
28. SNAC
29. filmportal.de
30. [Brockhaus Enzyklopädie](https://brockhaus.de/ecs/julex/article/gaulle-charles-de)
31. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
32. GeneaStar
33. Roglo
34. AlKindi
35. Proleksis Encyclopedia
36. Munzinger Personen
37. Freebase
38. [Source](https://www.sainteanne-sanctuaire.com/?mode=histoire)
39. [Une Seule Guerre. Apercu illustré de la semaine. 'La guerre est indivisible et, pour être menée sur des thé‰tres d'opérations différents, elle ne forme qu'un tout'. Le Général De Gaulle.. Beeldbank WO2](http://beeldbankwo2.nl/nl/beelden/detail/5be4ba06-025a-11e7-904b-d89d6717b464/media/148d7896-79ae-8568-d69f-2b1b5ce52c96)
40. nobelprize.org
41. CONOR.SI
42. BBC Things
43. [Source](https://www.amif.com/histoire/de-gaulle-cataracte)
44. [Source](https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/1953/01/12/recemment-opere-de-la-cataracte-le-general-de-gaulle-se-repose-a-colombey_1969902_1819218.html)
45. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
46. Enciclopedia Treccani
47. The Movie Database
48. LIBRIS. 2012
49. Dizionario di Storia
50. LibraryThing