Charles de Gaulle was the Leader of Free French in Exile
De Gaulle was still in control of tank regiments when World War II began. In May 1940, he attempted to block the German advance on Sedan. But after failing, he was compelled to leave. His accomplishments led to his promotion to brigadier general. After the French were beaten, Philippe Petain negotiated a peace settlement with Hitler, agreeing to allow the Germans to control the majority of France. He collaborated with the Nazis and established his own government in Vichy as a result. De Gaulle rebuffed this new government and fled to London.
De Gaulle organized a liberation effort from London with the help of the leaders of the resistance and the allies. He used the radio to inspire the French to rebel against the German occupation. His troops were mostly stationed in the colonies in Asia and Africa. Together with the British, they invaded Madagascar in 1942 and Syria in 1941, respectively. In January 1943, he was invited to the Casablanca Conference, which brought together the presidents of the United States, Great Britain, and de Gaulle's rival, Henri Giraud. In June 1943, he met with the leaders of the French resistance in Algeria. From there, he won the French presidential election. He began operations in Algiers but moved to London in 1944.
De Gaulle set up his headquarters in Paris after the June 1944 Normandy landings and contributed to the liberation of France. Then, de Gaulle was acknowledged as the legitimate ruler by the Allies. After the war ended, de Gaulle took an active part in the formation of the United Nations and fought for France to be granted an occupation zone in Germany.
