FREE FRENCH Meaning and
Definition
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The term "Free French" refers to the individuals and forces that rallied around General Charles de Gaulle during World War II, opposing the collaborationist Vichy French government and the Nazi occupation of France.
The Free French movement emerged in June 1940, shortly after the fall of France to the invading German forces. General de Gaulle, who had escaped to the United Kingdom, made a radio broadcast from London on June 18, 1940, calling on the French people to resist the German occupation and continue the fight against Nazi Germany. This broadcast marked the beginning of the Free French movement.
The Free French forces comprised French military personnel, civilians, and exiles residing in various parts of the world who refused to accept the legitimacy of the Vichy regime and instead recognized General de Gaulle as their leader. The movement aimed to reclaim France's independence, restore the French Republic, and contribute to the defeat of Germany.
Under General de Gaulle's leadership, the Free French actively participated in military campaigns against the Axis powers. They fought in numerous theaters of war, including North Africa, Italy, and Western Europe. The Free French forces ultimately played a significant role in the liberation of France in 1944 and the subsequent defeat of Nazi Germany.
The Free French movement represented the resistance to Nazi occupation within France and stood as a symbol of hope for French nationals who opposed the collaborationist government. It played a crucial role in preserving French sovereignty and helping restore the nation's honor following the war. The term "Free French" is now commonly used to refer to those who fought under General de Gaulle's leadership against Nazi occupation during World War II.
Common Misspellings for FREE FRENCH
- dree french
- cree french
- vree french
- gree french
- tree french
- rree french
- feee french
- fdee french
- ffee french
- ftee french
- f5ee french
- f4ee french
- frwe french
- frse french
- frde french
- frre french
- fr4e french
- fr3e french
- frew french
- fres french
Etymology of FREE FRENCH
The term "Free French" refers to the French forces that fought against the Axis Powers during World War II, led by General Charles de Gaulle. The etymology of the term can be understood as follows:
1. Free: The word "free" is derived from the Old English word "freo", meaning "exempt from, not in bondage". It is also linked to the Germanic word "frijaz" and the Old Norse word "friðr", both meaning "peace, love". In this context, "free" emphasizes the French forces' resistance against Nazi occupation and their fight for liberty and independence.
2. French: The term "French" refers to the nationality and people of France. The word itself comes from the Latin word "Francus", which was originally used to describe the inhabitants of the region known as Gaul (modern-day France).
