fighting french
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Proper noun A French political and military organization formed in London in 1940 by General Charles de Gaulle. Its purpose was to continue the fight against Axis powers after the fall of France and to represent French sovereignty, aiming for the liberation of France from German occupation and the restoration of the French Republic.
Usage
The term is used historically to refer to this specific organization and its members, often synonymous with "Free French." * General de Gaulle was the leader of the Fighting French. * The Fighting French forces participated in key battles in North Africa and Europe.
Advanced Usage
- The term formally replaced "Free French" (Français Libres) in 1942 to encompass a broader coalition of resistance forces, though both names are used historically.
- It is often capitalized as a proper noun: the Fighting French.
Variants and Related Words
- Free French: The earlier name for the movement (1940-1942).
- France Libre: The French name for "Free France."
- French Resistance: The broader internal resistance within occupied France, which coordinated with the external Fighting French movement.
Synonyms
- Free French Forces
- Forces Françaises Libres (FFL)
Related Phrases
- The Call of 18 June: Refers to de Gaulle's famous 1940 radio broadcast from London, which called for continued resistance and is considered the founding act of the movement that became the Fighting French.
Noun
- a French movement during World War II that was organized in London by Charles de Gaulle to fight for the liberation of France from German control and for the restoration of the republic