Born in 1890 in Lille, Charles De Gaulle rose from a French soldier in World War II to president of the Fifth Republic. He held this position from 1958 – 1969. De Gaulle’s tenacious drive was thanks to his time as commander during World War II which had a great influence on his political career. His presidency was marked by the events of May 1968, which he responded to with an appeal for civil order.
After De Gaulle’s resignation in 1969, De Gaulle retired to his beloved nine-acre country estate. However, he had little time to enjoy his new quiet life in the village as just over a year later he died of a heart attack.
Upon hearing the news of Charles De Gaulle’s death, President Georges Pompidou, announced the devastating news to the French public. “General De Gaulle is dead. France is a widow”. The country mourned the loss of one of its greatest heroes who had led France through the war and played a major role in the post-war recovery. Leaders around the world sent their condolences to France. Queen Elizabeth II said his"courage and tenacity in the allied cause during the dark years of the Second World War will never be forgotten."
Despite his death, the Gaullist legacy lived on and has been profound in France. The main idea of his legacy is that France is considered a "strong state". Charles De Gaulle's successor, Georges Pompidou, used Gaullist ideas during his time in presidency from 1969 to 1974. Controversial ideas have become accepted in France as part of the political consensus. For example, Frances foreign policy and nuclear capability remains influenced by Gaullism.
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