Henrik Bering on The General: Charles de Gaulle and the France He Saved by Jonathan Fenby. ... To do that, Frenchmen had to participate on all fronts, thereby forcing Britain and the U.S. to recognize France as a fellow ally. But his suspicious and unyielding nature made him a prickly partner. read more
When the Americans got outraged that France under De Gaulle kicked their soldiers from France, the French got outraged at the Americans’ entitlement. When the Americans say French are arrogant and haughty, French think they are perceived like that because they simply refuse to be the vassals of the Anglo-Saxons. read more
De Gaulle's opposition to the British is often attributed to simple Anglophobia, an example of latter-day French dislike of "La perfide Albion". This position is supported by readings of De Gaulle's public speeches or reference to his relationship with his Allied comrades during the War, which could be euphemistically described as "turbulent". read more
And he did successfully stand up to the American Empire on several occasions. If the French can do it, so can other Europeans. And they’d damned well better. It’s in their own best interests, and in the interests of the American people themselves, as well. Better Charles De Gaulle than Margaret Thatcher or Tony Blair. read more