Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈɑːlz də ɡˈɔːl] (IPA) 
The name "Charles de Gaulle" is pronounced /ʃaʁl də ɡol/. The initial "Ch" sound is pronounced as /ʃ/, like the "sh" in "shoe". The "a" in "Charles" is pronounced as /a/, like the "a" in "father". The next syllable, "de," is pronounced as /də/, with a schwa sound for the "e." Finally, "Gaulle" is pronounced as /ɡol/, with a silent final "e." The "G" is pronounced as a hard "g" sound, like the "g" in "goat."
Charles de Gaulle was a prominent French statesman and military general who served as the leader of Free France during World War II and later became the President of France from 1959 to 1969. Born on November 22, 1890, in Lille, France, de Gaulle is widely recognized for his influential role in shaping modern France and his significant contributions to its political and military history.
As an astute military general, de Gaulle played a crucial role in organizing the French Resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II. He spearheaded the formation of Free France in 1940, serving as its leader and rallying force against the German forces. His appeal for French resistance against the Vichy regime and his insistence on a Free French government in exile in London solidified his status as a heroic and inspirational figure during the war.
Following the liberation of France in 1944, de Gaulle emerged as a prominent political figure, advocating for strong national independence and the restoration of France's global stature. He founded the Fifth Republic in 1958, which ushered in a new era of stable government and helped establish the presidential system in France. As President, de Gaulle modernized the French economy, promoted national unity and independence, and pursued a policy of non-alignment during the Cold War, which allowed France to maintain its autonomy on the global stage.
Charles de Gaulle's legacy is marked by his indomitable spirit, his strong sense of nationalism, and his unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and prestige of France. His leadership and vision continue to influence French politics and society, earning him a revered place in French history.
