Who Was Charles de Gaulle? 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. read more
Charles de Gaulle was born in 1890 at Lille. His family had a tradition of being teachers and administrators. 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. 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