Churchill And De Gaulle Flashcards
(15 cards)
What was De Gaulle role in exile ?
- He used his voice as a weapon to keep the dream of France alive often reassuring the French that France read still free providing a choice to the French of being resistant to Nazi rule
- he had an unwavering belief in free France often saying ‘France must fight on’
- led a force known as the Free French
Why did Churchill had an interest in De Gaulle ?
- he saw him as being determined to not give up the French resistance
- Churchill smuggled him into the UK
However
He saw him as uncompromising and uncooperative
How did Churchill see France ?
He loved France and spoke fluent French
He had been in close contact with the French as soon as he took power
How did Churchill react to the French defeat ?
- He was devastated and was willing to send further forces even after Dunkirk and commit air resources to France against RAF commanders advice
- offered a Union between Britain and France as a desperate attempt to keep France in the war
How did many in the British government see De Gaulle ?
The head of the foreign office was confused as to the interest WSC had in De Gaulle
Why was De Gaulle status difficult ?
- the legal government of France was in Vichy France under Nazi control
- he was not a high ranking officer and was the self proclaimed champion of France and a natural leader for post war France which neither Churchill or Roosevelt accept
What did De Gaulle emphasise ?
The greatness of France causing a fundamental jarring to relations as he was often poorly diplomatic
What was the nature of De Gaulles relationship with Churchill ?
- WSC found it difficult to work with DG
- De Gaulle admitted himself to be overbearing however he had to be in order to keep France on the world stage
Why was FDR suspicious of WSC?
- 1941 entered the war and De Gaulle saw himself as a regular fixture and expected to be involved
- FDR lacked the same effection as Churchill for DG and WSC was often caught in the middle
- De Gaulle had refused to work with former Vichy leaders in North Africa which annoyed FDR and embarrassed WSC- caused strains at Casablanca conference 1943
Where does DG go to prove himself to be a military leader ?
- defended French Algeria in Africa as well as Morroco, Tunisia and Madagascar
What is the difference between 1940-43 ?
43 he had become a symbol of hope and liberation in France and had now seen action
1944 D day demonstrated France could be free again
How does DG use D day as a symbol for his own status ?
De Gaulle was banned from Normandy but declared D day a victory and 10 days later he stepped foot in France despite FDR banning him from doing so
How did De Gaulle reinvent history ?
Told the French Paris was liberated by their own people
Aimed for the French to gain a sense of self respect
What was free France ?
Exiles from occupied Europe who were based in Britain
What was Vichy France ?
Northern French pro Nazi state which was allowed considerable independent after the peace treaty in 1940
