De Gaulle, Charles

Charles de Gaulle was a French general and statesman, best known for leading the Free French Forces during World War II and later becoming the President of France. He played a key role in resisting Nazi occupation and helped establish the French government in exile. After the war, he founded the Fifth Republic in 1958 and served as its first president, advocating for strong executive power and national sovereignty. De Gaulle is often remembered for his strong personality, vision of France’s role in the world, and efforts to gain independence for French colonies, notably Algeria.