June 18, 1940: De Gaulle's Bold Call to Action!
The Appeal of 18 June (French: L'Appel du 18 juin) is a significant speech by Charles de Gaulle, marking the inception of the French Resistance during World War II. Delivered from London after the Battle of France, this speech is often hailed as one of the pivotal moments in French history.
In June 1940, following France's rapid defeat by Nazi Germany, de Gaulle, who had been appointed as under-secretary of state for national defence, fled to London to continue the fight against the Axis powers. His arrival in London on June 17 was crucial, as he met with Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who recognized de Gaulle's potential to rally the French people.
Despite initial resistance from the British government regarding the broadcast of de Gaulle's speech, it was finally aired on the evening of June 18. In this four-minute address, de Gaulle highlighted the resilience of France, stating that although the French military had been defeated, the country still retained its colonies, had the support of the British Empire, and could count on assistance from the United States.
He urged French soldiers and civilians to join him in resisting the Nazi regime, marking the beginning of a collective rallying cry against oppression. The speech, while initially reaching only a limited audience in France, became a cornerstone of French national identity and resistance throughout the war.
De Gaulle's legacy from this speech earned him the title of L'Homme du 18 juin (The Man of 18 June), symbolizing not just his leadership but the spirit of defiance that characterized the French Resistance. Although it was not widely heard at the time, its historical significance has grown, solidifying its place in the annals of French history.
For collectors of stamps, the Appeal of 18 June represents a moment of valor and determination. Stamps commemorating de Gaulle and the French Resistance are symbols of hope and resilience, making them treasures for any collection focused on historical events.
To learn more about this important historical moment, you can visit this website.