"Whatever happens, the flame of French resistance must not and shall not die."
-Charles de Gaulle - June of 1940
THESIS
Charles de Gaulle is truly the definition of French patriotism. Fighting for his country in both world wars, he
continued to show his love and commitment to his homeland even after its government had given up. He
started the Free French movement in 1939 with the hope of winning back his country's honor and glory,
which the new Vichy government had given up when they began collaborating with the Nazis (Banfield 42-
43). He went on to become the President of France, and helped them through the hard rebuilding time after
the war was over (Bigelow 4-5). De Gaulle's legacy continues today shown by the successful and free French
state. He played such a large part in the restoration of France, that they named their international airport
after him.
continued to show his love and commitment to his homeland even after its government had given up. He
started the Free French movement in 1939 with the hope of winning back his country's honor and glory,
which the new Vichy government had given up when they began collaborating with the Nazis (Banfield 42-
43). He went on to become the President of France, and helped them through the hard rebuilding time after
the war was over (Bigelow 4-5). De Gaulle's legacy continues today shown by the successful and free French
state. He played such a large part in the restoration of France, that they named their international airport
after him.