FREE FRENCH FORCES Meaning and
Definition
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Free French Forces refers to the armed forces that fought against the Axis Powers during World War II and specifically refers to the French military units that were loyal to General Charles de Gaulle and operated outside of France. The term "Free French" is derived from the fact that these forces fought for the liberation of their homeland from Nazi Germany's occupation and were not a part of the collaborationist Vichy regime led by Marshal Philippe Pétain.
Following the Fall of France in June 1940, de Gaulle, who was then an obscure French general, made a radio broadcast from London, calling on the French people to resist the German occupation. This broadcast marked the foundation of the Free French Forces. Comprised of soldiers, sailors, and airmen who either evaded capture by the Germans or chose to join de Gaulle's movement, the Free French Forces were initially based in England but later expanded to include French colonies in Africa and the Middle East.
Under de Gaulle's leadership, the Free French Forces played a significant role in various military campaigns. They participated in the Allied landings in North Africa in 1942, fought in the Italian campaign, and provided crucial support during the liberation of France in 1944. The forces ultimately played a vital role in the final Allied victory in Europe.
The Free French Forces symbolized the determination of the French people to resist Nazi oppression and the preservation of French sovereignty. After the liberation of France, de Gaulle became the President of the French provisional government and later the first president of the Fifth Republic. The legacy of the Free French Forces contributed to the post-war identity of France as a country that fought for freedom and refused to be dominated.
