France's WWII hero Charles DeGaulle became the French President in 1958 and held the office until his resignation in 1969. DeGaulle moved France into the post WWII era.
A controversial man, DeGaulle strengthened the powers of his office and withdrew France from NATO. After winning the Presidency largely through the efforts of those committed to keeping the colony of Algeria, once in office,DeGaulle announced his support of Algerian independence.
A civil war ensued in Algeria, but Algeria won independence in 1962. Though called a dictator by his critics, DeGaulle reduced the influence of political parties and the National Assembly. Though other nations protested, he established diplomatic and trade ties with Communist China. Even with the Cold War at some of its warmer moments, DeGaulle maintained an even keel with the USSR. He offered French colonies in Africa independence with all colonies but one taking independence.
DeGaulle blocked Britain's attempt to join the European Common Market and demanded that NATO bases in France be closed. These moves were popular, in general, in France. On the domestic side, France struggled with inflation and social unrest. When DeGaulle proposed constitutional reforms in 1969, his proposals were defeated. He resigned immediately. He died a year later.
