Comparisons between Charles de Gaulle and Churchill

Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle are thought to be two of the greatest military leaders during the time of World War II. Growing up, they were extremely similar. Both of their fathers fought in wars which inspired both of them to pursue the military in school and in the years following. They were both considered to be mediocre students but their performance on the battlefield was a whole other story. They were fantastic leaders that many looked up to. They both ran for office during their lifetime as well, making this yet another similarity. Winston Churchill ran and was elected British Prime Minister in 1940. He served until 1945 and then ran again in 1951. He completed another four years in office before ending his term in 1955. Charles de Gaulle created the French Fifth Republic in 1958 and became the president for ten years beginning in 1959 and ending in 1969. Although they were brilliant politicians, these men were needed more in times of war than in times of peace and prosperity. They both became accustomed to dealing with hardship through war and their extended knowledge on warfare made them excellent people to have during Hitler's reign of terror. An obvious difference between these two men is that Winston Churchill is English while Charles de Gaulle is French. Winston also trusted and had a good relationship with the Americans while Charles wanted to avoid working with the allies of France. He wanted to work to free France only and not any other nation. Although in some cases these two leaders didn't see eye to eye, they are both regarded as two of the most power and influential men of their generation.