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01
The political philosophy Gaullism, derived from de Gaulle’s thoughts and actions, is influential in France; President Jacques Chirac was a Gaullist. Its central tenet is French independence from foreign influence, including opposition to NATO. Gaullism stresses national grandeur and is typically right-wing, though left-wing variations exist.
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02
After his return to Paris in 1944, de Gaulle moved back into his old office at the War Ministry, where he had served as undersecretary of state, emphasizing the continuity of the Third Republic and denying the legitimacy of Vichy France. He served as President of the provisional government from September 1944 through 20 January 1946, resigning due to conflict between political parties and disapproval of the draft constitution for the Fourth Republic.
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03
De Gaulle was recalled to power in 1958 upon the collapse of the Fourth Republic due to its inability to resolve the Algerian War. The crisis began when French settlers in Algiers seized government buildings and the French military commander declared support for de Gaulle. He accepted the premiership with the proviso that he could rewrite the constitution, leading to the Fifth Republic.
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04
Children: Philippe de Gaulle born 1921, Elisabeth 1924-2013, and Anne 1928-1948.
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05
He led the Free French during World War II.
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06
He served as President of the French Republic from 8 January 1959 to 28 April 1969.
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07
Served in World War I: wounded twice and taken prisoner by the Germans.
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08
Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1958.
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09
A look-alike puppet of de Gaulle appears in the French show Les Guignols de l’info.
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10
He was voted the greatest French person ever in a 2005 poll.
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11
His namesake grandson represents France in the European Parliament as a member of the National Front party.
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12
He and Yvonne Vendroux known as Tante Yvonne had three children: Philippe 1921, Elisabeth 1924, and Anne 1928-1948. Anne, who had Down syndrome, died at age 20.
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13
Descended on his father’s side from aristocracy from Normandy and Burgundy, while his mother’s family were rich entrepreneurs from Lille. The name de Gaulle is thought to derive from Germanic De Walle meaning the wall.
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14
His will stated he was to be buried at Colombey-les-deux-Églises with no presidents or ministers attending, only his Compagnons de la Libération. His tombstone reads simply Charles de Gaulle, 1890-1970. He died nearly destitute, and his family had to sell their residence, now the Charles de Gaulle Museum.
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15
In good health until his death, de Gaulle died of an aneurysm in his armchair after watching the evening news. His last words were reportedly I feel a pain here, pointing to his neck, then he fell unconscious.
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16
He caused an international incident in July 1967 during a state visit to Canada when he shouted Vive le Québec libre! from a balcony in Montreal, leading to a diplomatic rift and his early departure.
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17
All Parisian cinemas closed on 12 November 1970 as a mark of respect.
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18
At 6 feet 5 inches, he was the tallest person ever to be president of France.
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19
Brother of Pierre de Gaulle.
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20
At the funeral of his daughter Anne, who had severe Down syndrome and died at age 20, de Gaulle said, Now she is like the others.
