Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle, known as General de Gaulle (Lille, November 22, 1890 - Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, November 9, 1970), was a French general, politician, and writer. Leader of Free France during World War II and President of the French Republic (1959-1969), he founded the Fifth Republic. De Gaulle, imbued with national greatness, chose a military career and, after World War II, promoted policies of national greatness and economic development. He retired in 1969 after a failed referendum, passing away in 1970. His vision of power and defense of national independence brought him into conflict with various parties, but he was a dominant figure in 20th-century French history.
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