Charles de Gaulle
President of France · 1890–1970
De Gaulle led the Free French against Nazi Germany and later founded the Fifth Republic, serving as its president from 1959 to 1969. He built a strong presidency, ended the Algerian War, and pursued French independence from both superpowers.
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Estimated from their documented words and actions. A simplification, not a verdict.
Built a centralised presidential state, though he lost a 1969 referendum proposing regional reform and resigned.
Governed through elections and referendums but concentrated power in the presidency and state broadcasting.
Used emergency powers during the Algerian crisis and confronted the May 1968 protests.
Withdrew France from NATO's integrated command and favoured a Europe of sovereign nations.
A career officer who built an independent French nuclear force.
Was recorded saying France should remain essentially European and Christian and doubted mass integration of Algerians.
Nationalised major firms in 1945 and promoted worker participation, within a capitalist economy.
Ran a dirigiste economy guided by national five-year plans and state industrial projects.
Accepted the Common Market but defended agricultural protection and vetoed British entry.
A devout Catholic who kept faith private and accepted French secular law.
Socially conservative and focused on national tradition, grandeur and order.
Championed nuclear power, Concorde and French high-technology industry.