The Liberation of Paris and the Gamble That Won France - Charles De Gaulle

During World War II, Charles De Gaulle played a pivotal role in the liberation of Paris, an event that soon became a turning point in the history of France. His courageous actions and strategic decisions not only secured victory for the Allies but also elevated De Gaulle to a prominent position in French politics. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating details of the Liberation of Paris and the gambles taken by De Gaulle that ultimately led to France's freedom.

The Rise of Charles De Gaulle

Charles De Gaulle, a highly revered military leader and politician, was born on November 22, 1890, in Lille, France. He demonstrated exceptional leadership skills from a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of the French Army. Even before the outbreak of World War II, De Gaulle called for the modernization of French armed forces, emphasizing the need for armored divisions and strategic airpower. His ideas were often met with resistance, but De Gaulle persisted and became an influential advocate for military reform.

When Germany invaded France in 1940, De Gaulle, then a colonel, refused to accept the French surrender and went into exile in London. From there, he initiated a resistance movement, known as the Free French Forces, aimed at liberating France from Nazi control.

The Paris Game: Charles de Gaulle, the Liberation of Paris, and the Gamble that Won France

by Ray Argyle (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6619 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	543 pages

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The Gamble of Operation Overlord

As the war progressed, De Gaulle seized upon the opportunity to liberate Paris. In August 1944, the Allies launched Operation Overlord, an ambitious plan to land troops on the beaches of Normandy and advance towards Germany. The success of this operation relied heavily on capturing Paris and opening up a direct route to the heart of Germany.

At this critical moment, De Gaulle found himself facing a difficult decision. The Allies had initially planned to bypass Paris, as they believed liberation would be too costly and time-consuming. However, De Gaulle realized the enormous symbolic value of liberating the capital city and saw it as an essential step towards restoring French sovereignty.

Despite opposition from the Allies, De Gaulle insisted on the liberation of Paris. He argued that bypassing the city would undermine the legitimacy of the French government and jeopardize the unity of the nation. His determination paid off, as he successfully convinced General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, to change course and prioritize the liberation of Paris.

The Battle for Paris

On August 19, 1944, French forces under De Gaulle's command launched a massive uprising against German occupation in Paris. Civilians joined the resistance, and street battles erupted throughout the city. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the French resistance fighters fought with unwavering determination, barricading streets and engaging in fierce combat.

Amidst the chaos, De Gaulle returned to Paris on August 25, signaling the imminent liberation of the city. He famously led a triumphant march down the Champs-Élysées, symbolizing the restoration of French sovereignty and the defeat of Nazi tyranny.

The Legacy of Charles De Gaulle

The Liberation of Paris marked a significant turning point in World War II and in French history. De Gaulle's gamble to prioritize Paris over military objectives paid off, as it boosted the morale of the French resistance, united the nation, and secured a lasting place for De Gaulle in French politics.

Following the war, De Gaulle went on to serve as the President of France from 1959 to 1969. He implemented important reforms and policies, including the establishment of the Fifth Republic and the development of France's nuclear arsenal, solidifying his legacy as a powerful leader.

In

Charles De Gaulle's role in the Liberation of Paris cannot be overstated. With his courage, unwavering conviction, and strategic decisions, he not only brought freedom to France but also carved a path for himself as a prominent figure in French politics. The gambles he took paid off, demonstrating the true spirit of a leader who fought for the liberation and sovereignty of his country.

The Paris Game: Charles de Gaulle, the Liberation of Paris, and the Gamble that Won France

by Ray Argyle (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6619 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	543 pages

FREE

At a crucial moment in the Second World War, an obscure French general reaches a fateful personal decision: to fight on alone after his government’s flight from Paris and its capitulation to Nazi Germany.

Amid the ravages of a world war, three men — a general, a president, and a prime minister — are locked in a rivalry that threatens their partnership and puts the world’s most celebrated city at risk of destruction before it can be liberated. This is the setting of The Paris Game, a dramatic recounting of how an obscure French general under sentence of death by his government launches on the most enormous gamble of his life: to fight on alone after his country’s capitulation to Nazi Germany. In a game of intrigue and double-dealing, Charles de Gaulle must struggle to retain the loyalty of Winston Churchill against the unforgiving opposition of Franklin Roosevelt and the traitorous manoeuvring of a collaborationist Vichy France. How he succeeds in restoring the honour of France and securing its place as a world power is the stuff of raw history, both stirring and engrossing.