SECOND REFORM OF GOVERNMENT
{1969} (above)
A weak economy, arguments between politicians, and increasing tension between Algeria and France
called for the return of de Gaulle in 1958. The Members of National Assembly picked de Gaulle because they
felt as though he was the only person who could successfully lead France at such a dark and desperate time.
He started by granting Algeria its independence from France. He then spent the next ten years trying to
reestablish France’s former position in the stronger countries of the world. De Gaulle also made sure that he
kept France independent from the US, Great Britain, and the USSR. He built strong ties with West Germany,
and established good diplomatic relations with China. In addition he continued to promote economic growth
and the modernization of France. In 1969, de Gaulle finally resigned from the presidency for the last time
(Bigelow 4-5).
called for the return of de Gaulle in 1958. The Members of National Assembly picked de Gaulle because they
felt as though he was the only person who could successfully lead France at such a dark and desperate time.
He started by granting Algeria its independence from France. He then spent the next ten years trying to
reestablish France’s former position in the stronger countries of the world. De Gaulle also made sure that he
kept France independent from the US, Great Britain, and the USSR. He built strong ties with West Germany,
and established good diplomatic relations with China. In addition he continued to promote economic growth
and the modernization of France. In 1969, de Gaulle finally resigned from the presidency for the last time
(Bigelow 4-5).
“ I am a man who belongs to nobody, and who [therefore] belongs to everybody.” - de Gaulle in a news conference from 1958
“ Je suis la France.” (I am France) - Charles de Gaulle