Charles de Gaulle
Charles de Gaulle
Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle; 22 November 1890 – 9 November 1970) was a French military general and statesman. He was the leader of Free Franceand the head of the Provisional Government of the French Republic. In 1958, he founded the Fifth Republic and was elected as the 18th President of France, a position he held until his resignation in 1969. He was the dominant figure of France during the Cold War era and his memory continues to influence...
NationalityFrench
ProfessionPolitician
Date of Birth22 November 1890
CityLille, France
CountryFrance
France has lost a battle. But France has not lost the war! (Proclamation, 18 June 1940)
I might have had trouble saving France in 1946 - I didn't have television then.
Once upon a time there was an old country, wrapped up in habit and caution. We have to transform our old France into a new country and marry it to its time.
All my life I have had a certain idea of France.
France was built with swords. The fleur-de-lis, symbol of national unity, is only the image of a spear with three pikes.
As an adolescent I was convinced that France would have to go through gigantic trials, that the interest of life consisted in one day rendering her some signal service and that I would have the occasion to do so.
France has lost the battle but she has not lost the war.
For all of us Frenchmen, the guiding rule of our epoch is to be faithful to France.
I cannot prevent the French from being French
France has no friends, only interests.
France cannot be France without greatness.
All my life I have thought of France in a certain way.
Brave shoemakers, all gentlemen of the gentle craft.
The sword is the axis of the world, and grandeur is indivisible.