De Gaulle authored a book in the early 1930s discussing mobile warfare, which the Germans read and utilized for their blitzkrieg tactics. His concepts were not favored by senior officials, yet during the Battle of France, he commanded one French armored division and succeeded in repelling the Germans.
In addition to being a politician, he was invited to become part of the new French Government. After France's surrender, de Gaulle flew to Britain with only a small suitcase, embodying the spirit of France. From there, he organized the Free French forces. Throughout this process, he often rubbed people the wrong way as he campaigned for France. De Gaulle, a conservative, was at odds with many members of the Free French and the resistance, who were predominantly socialists.
Post-war, the French established the Fourth Republic, which inherited the Third Republic's problems. Although he retired, de Gaulle began to form his own political party, the Gaullists. In the 1950s, the Algerian independence issues led to a constitutional crisis. De Gaulle spearheaded the push for a new constitution that featured a powerful presidency, eventually becoming the first president of the Fifth Republic.
Therefore, while de Gaulle is considered a father figure of his nation like George Washington, the difference is that while no one wanted to confront George, many felt inclined to give de Gaulle a kick in the shins at various times.
