This critical work was largely ignored by French military officials, but not by the Germans. According to some reports, the German military followed some of de Gaulle's recommendations in World War II. read more
Born in Lille, France in 1890, Charles de Gaulle rose from French soldier in World War I to exiled leader and, eventually, president of the Fifth Republic, a position he held until 1969. De Gaulle's time as a commander in World War II would later influence his political career, providing him with a tenacious drive. read more
However, de Gaulle decided on a career in the army and he joined the 33rd Infantry Regiment led by the then Colonel Pétain – later Marshall Pétain, who found fame in World War One and infamy in World War Two. Charles de Gaulle fought in World War One and was wounded and taken prisoner at Verdun in 1916. read more