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Charles de Gaulle, part the first.

© Marc A. Cormier

French history, and to some degree myth, has produced a large number of "heroic figures" and historical personalities that are recognised across all cultures: Napoleon, Louis XIV, Charlemagne, and Jeanne d'Arc to name a few.

Time magazine, in a not-too-recent issue, decided upon its own hook and crook to determine the 100 most influential historical figures of the XXth century. In classic fashion, any mention of Charles de Gaulle was omitted until the following week when letters to the editor underlined this omission. Charles de Gaulle, a pivotal figure of the XXth century, has more often that not been purposefully ignored by the American media. Why is easy to understand when the complex life of de Gaulle is closely studied.

On the 22nd of November 1890, Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle is born in the northern city of Lille where Jeanne Maillot's family has been present for four centuries. Henri De Gaulle's family however is of Parisian extract. Henri de Gaulle wanted to join the French army but became a teacher.

Charles de Gaulle joined the army at a young age. During world war one, he was wounded many times and was nearly left for dead at Verdun. He was picked up by the Germans and sent to a prison camp where he tried to escape but never managed to get back to France until the end of the war.

After the war he was sent to Poland to fight the "Bolsheviks". When he returns from Warsaw, he meets Yvonne Vendroux whom later became his wife in 1921. By 1928 they have three children: Philippe, Elisabeth and Ann who is born with a serious handicap.

De Gaulle starts writing on his return from Beirut. In 1932 he writes "Le Fil de l'épée" and publishes "Vers l'armée de métiers" in 1934. In the latter work, he develops tactical theories that involve heavy use of mechanised weapons such as tanks. He later lobbied for profound reform in France's military and criticised the usefulness of the Maginot line.

From 1932 to 1937, de Gaulle gets his political experience working for the French defence ministry. He tries to convince the Front Populaire government of Léon Blum that serious reforms are necessary in the French army but to no avail. Meanwhile Czechoslovakia falls under the IIIrd Reich.

World War two breaks out as France's military and government is obsessed by defensive strategy. The "strange war" of 1939-1940 has French troops stationed behind the Maginot line while Poland crumbles to Panzer divisions. Paul Reynaud names Charles de Gaulle general, on a temporary basis, of the 4th armoured division, which is supposed to be constituted by May 15th.

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