Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970) was a brigadier general in the French army and one of the pioneers of modern armoured warfare as practised in the Second World War. When Germany occupied France in 1940 he fled to England, and on June 18 broadcast his famous call for resistance. As 'leader of the free French' de Gaulle spearheaded France's contribution to the Allied victory and headed the provisional government from 1944-46.

De Gaulle returned to power in 1958 when the adoption of a new constitution established the Fifth Republic. During his time in power he granted independence to Algeria (1962), argued for French parity with the US in NATO decisions, and promoted French development of atomic weapons. Despite his rejection of actions that might limit French sovereignty, he supported participation in the European Common Market, while strongly opposing British membership. He developed diplomatic relations with West Germany and the People's Republic of China.

De Gaulle remained in power until 1969 when he was defeated in a referendum on constitutional reform and resigned.