Charles de Gaulle remains one of the most complex and consequential figures in modern French history. A military officer who became the symbol of French resistance during World War II, he later founded the Fifth Republic and served as its first president. His name also adorns Paris’s main international airport and a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, reflecting a legacy that spans politics, war, and national identity. For readers interested in other transformative leaders, the story of Henry VIII – The King Who Changed England Forever offers a parallel study of a figure who reshaped a nation’s institutions.
Few individuals have shaped a nation’s institutions as deeply as de Gaulle shaped France. His call to resist Nazi occupation in 1940, his vision of a strong executive presidency, and his insistence on French sovereignty continue to influence political debate today. This article examines the man, his achievements, and the lingering questions about his life and legacy.
Who Is Charles de Gaulle and What Did He Do?
- Charles de Gaulle was a towering figure both literally (6’5″) and historically, which is often a point of curiosity.
- He was the chief architect of the French Fifth Republic, a political system that still endures today.
- His call to resist Nazi Germany from London in 1940 defined his wartime legacy.
- The primary Paris airport (CDG) and a modern French aircraft carrier are both named in his honor, highlighting his lasting national impact.
- The public’s interest in his height is often linked to discussions around his possible Marfan syndrome, though he kept it a private matter.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle |
| Born | November 22, 1890, Lille, France |
| Died | November 9, 1970, Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, France |
| Height | Reported as 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Military Career | Brigadier General (France), Commander of Free French Forces |
| Political Role | President of France (1959-1969), Founder of Fifth Republic |
| Airport Code | CDG (Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport) |
| Aircraft Carrier | FS Charles de Gaulle (R91, Nuclear-Powered) |
| Final Resting Place | Colombey-les-Deux-Églises |
Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle was born on 22 November 1890 in Lille, France, according to Wikipedia and Britannica. He died on 9 November 1970 at his home in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises at the age of 79, as recorded by Who2 and OnThisDay.
After France’s defeat in 1940, de Gaulle went to Britain and issued the famous June 18 appeal on BBC radio, calling on the French to resist. He organized the Free French Forces as the symbolic center of French resistance to Nazi Germany, according to Normandy 1944. Following liberation, he headed the Provisional Government of the French Republic from 1944 to 1946, as noted by Britannica and the Élysée Palace.
How Tall Was Charles de Gaulle and Did He Have Marfan Syndrome?
De Gaulle’s height is one of the most frequently asked questions about him. Historical records and photographs suggest he stood approximately 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) tall. This made him notably taller than most of his contemporaries, a physical trait that often drew attention during his public appearances.
The persistent curiosity about his height is closely tied to speculation that he may have had Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue and often results in above-average height. The Marfan Trust has suggested that de Gaulle may have had the condition, indicating it could have been a family secret. However, no definitive medical records have been made public to confirm or refute this claim.
While de Gaulle’s height of 6’5″ is well documented through photographs and historical accounts, the link to a formal diagnosis of Marfan syndrome remains speculative. The Marfan Trust’s suggestion is notable, but it has not been corroborated by independent medical documentation or official sources. Readers should treat the Marfan connection as plausible but unconfirmed.
When and How Did Charles de Gaulle Die?
Charles de Gaulle died on 9 November 1970 at the age of 79 in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, the small village in eastern France where he had retired. According to multiple sources including History Hit and USC’s French Freedom Papers, the cause of death was a ruptured blood vessel, described in some accounts as an aneurysm. The event was sudden and occurred at his home.
His death marked the end of an era in French politics. De Gaulle had resigned the presidency in 1969 after losing a referendum on regional reform and had largely withdrawn from public life. His funeral was a modest affair in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, in keeping with his instructions. He is buried in the village cemetery.
The Circumstances of His Final Years
After resigning in 1969, de Gaulle lived quietly with his wife, Yvonne, at their estate, La Boisserie. He wrote memoirs and received few visitors. His death from a ruptured aneurysm was unexpected, though he was 79 and had experienced health issues in his final years. The exact details of his medical history remain private.
Which Places and Ships Are Named After Charles de Gaulle?
The name Charles de Gaulle is attached to some of France’s most prominent national assets. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (IATA: CDG) is the country’s primary international hub, located about 23 kilometers northeast of Paris. Its code, CDG, is familiar to millions of travelers worldwide.
The French Navy operates the FS Charles de Gaulle (R91), a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the flagship of the French fleet. It is the largest warship in Western Europe and serves as a symbol of France’s military reach. Both the airport and the carrier reflect de Gaulle’s enduring status as a national icon.
| Namesake | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport | International Airport | IATA: CDG, serves Paris and northern France |
| FS Charles de Gaulle (R91) | Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier | Flagship of the French Navy, launched in 1994 |
The IATA code for Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is CDG. The ICAO code is LFPG. The airport is connected to central Paris via RER B commuter rail and TGV high-speed services. The RER station is located beneath Terminal 2.
From Lille to the Fifth Republic: A Timeline of Charles de Gaulle’s Life
- 1890: Born in Lille, France.
- 1913: Joins the French Army.
- 1916: Wounded and captured at the Battle of Verdun during World War I.
- 1940: Makes the famous ‘Appel du 18 Juin’ on BBC radio, urging French resistance.
- 1944: Triumphant return to Paris after its liberation.
- 1958: Becomes President of France, establishing the Fifth Republic.
- 1969: Resigns from the presidency after losing a referendum.
- 1970: Dies at his home in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises.
This timeline, drawn from Britannica’s summary and Biography.com, captures the key milestones of a career that spanned two world wars and the reconstruction of French democracy.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Charles de Gaulle?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| His height of 6’5″ is confirmed by historical records and photographs. | The link between his height and a formal diagnosis of Marfan syndrome is speculative; the Marfan Trust suggests he had it, but it was reportedly a family secret. |
| He was the leader of the Free French Forces during WWII. | The exact cause of his death (aneurysm vs. heart attack) is a matter of historical record (ruptured aneurysm), but details about his physical state remain private medical history. |
| Paris’s main international airport is named ‘Charles de Gaulle’. | The precise circumstances of his medical history—including any formal Marfan diagnosis—have not been publicly released. |
| He created and was President of the Fifth Republic from 1959 to 1969. | The full extent of his wartime correspondence and strategic decisions is still studied by historians. |
While the core facts of de Gaulle’s life are well established, claims about his health should be treated with appropriate caution. The Marfan connection, in particular, rests on suggestions rather than confirmed medical evidence.
What Was Charles de Gaulle’s Role in World War II?
De Gaulle’s role in World War II was foundational to his historical reputation. After the fall of France in June 1940, he refused to accept defeat. From London, he delivered the June 18 appeal, calling on French soldiers, workers, and citizens to continue the fight against Nazi Germany. The speech is widely regarded as the founding moment of the French Resistance.
He organized the Free French Forces, which grew from a small group of volunteers into a substantial military contingent that fought alongside the Allies. De Gaulle worked to ensure that France would be recognized as a sovereign power in the postwar settlement, a goal he achieved through persistent diplomacy with Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
His political philosophy, described as ‘une certaine idée de la France’ (a certain idea of France), drove his determination to restore French grandeur and independence. This vision guided his actions throughout the war and later shaped his presidency. As noted by EBSCO Research Starters, his World War II legacy is that of a national symbol of resistance and the restoration of French sovereignty.
De Gaulle’s wartime stance positioned him as the embodiment of French resistance, allowing France to be considered a victor of WWII. This status was politically constructed as much as it was militarily earned, and debates about the extent of French collaboration versus resistance remain active among historians. De Gaulle’s narrative of a resisting France was a deliberate and powerful political choice.
What Are the Best Sources to Learn About Charles de Gaulle?
Several authoritative sources provide reliable information about Charles de Gaulle’s life and legacy. Wikipedia offers a comprehensive, continuously updated biography. Britannica maintains a thoroughly edited entry with high editorial standards.
For readers seeking deeper scholarly context, Julian Jackson’s 2018 biography, A Certain Idea of France: The Life of Charles de Gaulle (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), is widely regarded as a definitive modern account. The Encyclopedia.com entry also provides a solid overview of his political legacy and constitutional reforms. For a related exploration of political transformation, see Black Panthers – History, Legacy, and Common Questions Answered, which examines a movement that left a lasting imprint on political identity.
“No country can have a great future if it no longer believes in itself.”
Charles de Gaulle, press conference, 1958
“How can you govern a country which has two hundred and forty-six varieties of cheese?”
Attributed to Charles de Gaulle
“A certain idea of France.”
The opening phrase of de Gaulle’s war memoirs, expressing his guiding vision
Frequently Asked Questions About Charles de Gaulle
What is the code for Charles de Gaulle Airport?
The IATA code is CDG, and the ICAO code is LFPG.
How tall was Charles de Gaulle?
He was reported to be approximately 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) tall.
How do you pronounce Charles de Gaulle?
In French, it is approximately “sharl də ɡol.” In English, it is commonly anglicized as “sharl duh-GAWL.”
When did Charles de Gaulle die?
He died on November 9, 1970, at the age of 79.
What is the name of the aircraft carrier?
It is the FS Charles de Gaulle (R91), a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the French Navy.
Was there a movie about him?
Yes, a 2020 film titled ‘De Gaulle’ (released in some markets as ‘De Gaulle: The Legend’) depicts his life around the time of his 1940 speech.
Where is Charles de Gaulle from?
He was born in Lille, France.
What was Charles de Gaulle’s role in World War I?
He served as a captain in the French Army, was wounded at the Battle of Verdun in 1916, and was taken prisoner of war, spending the remainder of the war in captivity.
Why did Charles de Gaulle resign as president?
He resigned in 1969 after losing a national referendum on regional reform and the reform of the Senate, which he had staked his political future on.
What does ‘RER’ stand for at Charles de Gaulle Airport?
RER stands for Réseau Express Régional, the rapid transit system that connects the airport to central Paris.
Margaret Finch is Culture & Features Editor at readingwire.co.uk, covering features, long-form journalism, cultural analysis and opinion pieces.