Charles de Gaulle was a French-born soldier, resistance fighter, statesman and writer.
During the Second World War, he was the leader of Free France and the French Committee for National Liberation. He was also President of the French Council of Ministers after the war. Then, in 1959, he became President of France for 10 years. He helped found the European Economic Community and set up the French space program. During his military career, he received many medals and distinctions.
He is considered by some to be "the most influential French leader of the 20th century" and "the greatest Frenchman of all time". As a result, several buildings, bridges, streets and even an airport are named in his honor. In Quebec, he is best remembered for his speech at Montreal City Hall, at the end of which he uttered his famous phrase "Vive le Québec libre!" (Long live free Quebec), stirring up the nationalist passions of Quebecers.
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1890: Charles de Gaulle is born in France on November 22.
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1916: During the First World War, he is wounded and captured by the Germans on March 2.
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1940: During the Second World War, when the German army broke through the French army lines, Charles de Gaulle was appointed general.
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1940: Having taken refuge in England, General de Gaulle calls for French resistance and continued fighting, via radio from London. This famous speech is known as the Appeal of 18 June.
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1940: France abdicates to German power and signs the armistice, bringing hostilities to an end on June 22. Five days later, with the support of Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle becomes the leader of the French Resistance (the Free French).
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1944: Following the liberation of France, Charles de Gaulle is appointed President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic, a post he holds until 1946.
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1958: Wishing to stabilize his country, Charles de Gaulle presents the French with a plan for a new republic (Fifth Republic). On October 4, the French voted in favor in a referendum. This republic is still in force today.
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1959: Elected by direct universal suffrage, Charles de Gaulle becomes the first president of France's Fifth Republic.
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1967: While on an official visit to Quebec, Charles de Gaulle ignites the crowd by proclaiming "Vive le Québec libre! " (Long live free Quebec).
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1969: Charles de Gaule announces his retirement from political life.
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1970: Charles de Gaulle dies in France on November 9, at the age of 79.