Appeal of June 18th

Definition

The Appeal of June 18th refers to a radio broadcast made by Charles de Gaulle from London on June 18, 1940, urging the French people to resist German occupation during World War II. This appeal marked a crucial moment in French history, as it represented the call for continued resistance against Nazi Germany and the establishment of the Free French Forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Appeal was broadcast on the BBC, aimed primarily at the French population to inspire them to continue fighting despite the fall of France to German forces.
2. De Gaulle's message emphasized themes of courage, national unity, and the belief that defeat was not inevitable.
3. This appeal is often considered the foundation of the French Resistance movement during World War II.
4. Following this broadcast, de Gaulle became a symbol of French nationalism and resistance against tyranny.
5. The Appeal of June 18th ultimately helped establish de Gaulle's leadership role in the post-war reconstruction of France.

Review Questions

• How did the Appeal of June 18th influence the mindset of the French people during World War II?
  • The Appeal of June 18th significantly influenced the mindset of the French people by instilling a sense of hope and determination in the face of defeat. Charles de Gaulle's message emphasized that surrender was not an option and encouraged citizens to resist German occupation actively. This call for resilience laid the groundwork for the emergence of the French Resistance movement, uniting individuals under a common cause to fight back against oppression.
• Evaluate the impact of Charles de Gaulle's leadership following the Appeal of June 18th on both the Free French Forces and Vichy France.
  • Charles de Gaulle's leadership had a profound impact on both the Free French Forces and Vichy France. His appeal galvanized support for resistance efforts against Nazi Germany, leading to increased enlistment in the Free French Forces. In contrast, Vichy France's collaboration with German occupiers was viewed with disdain by many citizens, further solidifying de Gaulle's position as a legitimate leader and symbol of resistance. De Gaulle’s subsequent actions helped legitimize the Free French movement and position it as a viable alternative to Vichy's collaborationist policies.
• Analyze how the Appeal of June 18th served as a catalyst for post-war reconstruction in France and its broader implications for European politics.
  • The Appeal of June 18th acted as a catalyst for post-war reconstruction in France by rallying national sentiment around Charles de Gaulle's vision for a liberated and united nation. This foundational moment inspired widespread participation in resistance activities during the war, which would later influence political discourse in post-war France. The success of de Gaulle’s leadership not only helped shape France’s recovery but also contributed to redefining power dynamics in Europe, fostering ideas of sovereignty and self-determination that resonated across other nations recovering from occupation.

Related terms

Charles de Gaulle:

A French military leader and statesman who played a prominent role in the French resistance against Nazi Germany and later became the President of France.

Free French Forces: A military group led by Charles de Gaulle that continued to fight against Axis powers after the fall of France in 1940.

Vichy France:

The government of France from 1940 to 1944 that collaborated with Nazi Germany, named after its capital in Vichy.