Definition

Proper noun: - Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle: A French general and statesman who rose to prominence as the leader of the Free French Forces during World War II, leading the resistance against the Axis occupation from exile. He later served as the founding President of the French Fifth Republic.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Charles de Gaulle is a towering figure in modern French history.
  • The airport in Paris is named after Charles de Gaulle.
  • De Gaulle's famous appeal of June 18, 1940, called for continued French resistance.

Advanced Usage

• "de Gaulle": The surname is commonly used alone to refer to the person, especially in historical and political contexts.
  • De Gaulle's policies were known as "Gaullism."
• "Gaullist" (adj/n): Pertaining to or a supporter of the ideas and policies of Charles de Gaulle.
  • He follows a Gaullist doctrine in foreign policy.

Variants and Related Words

• Gaullism (n): The political ideology and policies associated with Charles de Gaulle, emphasizing national independence, a strong state, and a prominent global role for France.
• Free France (n): The government-in-exile and resistance movement led by de Gaulle during World War II.
• Fifth Republic (n): The current system of government in France, established under de Gaulle's leadership in 1958.

Synonyms

• The General: A common epithet used to refer to him, especially in French ("Le Général").
• Leader of Free France

Related Phrases

• "A certain idea of France": A phrase famously used by de Gaulle in his memoirs to describe his deep, personal vision for the nation.
  • He fought for what he called "a certain idea of France."
• "Vive le Québec libre!": A controversial phrase shouted by de Gaulle during a 1967 speech in Montreal, expressing support for Quebec separatism.

Noun

1. French general and statesman who became very popular during World War II as the leader of the Free French forces in exile (1890-1970)