One of the most important figures from the 20th century was French general and politician Charles de Gaulle. How did he spell his last two names?

Charles de Gaulle, an indelible figure of 20th-century French and world history, famously spelled his surname DE GAULLE. This precise spelling is crucial when referring to the man who embodied French resistance and national pride during some of the nation's darkest hours. His name became synonymous with defiance and sovereignty, particularly during World War II.

As a relatively junior general at the outset of the war, de Gaulle quickly rose to prominence by rejecting France's surrender to Nazi Germany in 1940. From his exile in London, he rallied the Free French Forces, broadcasting powerful messages of hope and resilience to his occupied homeland (Review). His leadership provided a crucial counterpoint to the Vichy regime, ensuring that France maintained a voice among the Allied powers.

Following the liberation of France, Charles de Gaulle continued to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's destiny. He served as the provisional head of government and later, as the first President of the Fifth Republic, he oversaw the creation of a new constitution that strengthened the executive branch. His vision and determination left an enduring legacy on French politics, identity, and its standing on the global stage, forever linking the spelling DE GAULLE to a titan of modern history.