Impact Of Charles De Gaulle

The Cold War in Western Europe is marked by the change from separatism to unity. After the Second World War, the Western European countries needed to rebuild their countries. In Great Britain, the Labour party established the welfare state, where citizens would be provided with the bare essentials of living. In France, Charles De Gaulle led the Fifth Republic and improved France’s stance in Europe as an economic power. Meanwhile, in Italy, Christian Democrats and democracy replaced fascism, however, the communist movement was still growing. In the Vatican, the Roman Catholic Church underwent changes to be more inclusive rather than exclusive. This included the encouragement of ecumenism, Vatican II, and Pope John Paul II’s effects on the

During the Fourth Republic, France suffered a war in Algeria. The only way to put an end to it was with the help of De Gaulle. France used the policy of decolonization on Algeria and granted the country independence. His success allowed him to take the title of President. Opposed to the Fourth Republic, De Gaulle made sure that as president, he would have more power than the legislative assembly. Under his leadership, instead of having an empire, France became “the world’s fifth industrial power in the 1960s” (Palmer). De Gaulle transformed the economy to bring France to the top. He did fight for more reforms, however, he began to lose support over his refusal to be involved in world affairs. During the creation of the European Community, De Gaulle refused to join. As this was taking place in France, Italy became a democracy. The country cut its ties to fascism and the Christian Democratic party took its place. This political party led the government for many years until it was found taking illegal actions. As the Christian Democratic party governed, communism began to grow in Italy. However, this form of communism did not associate itself with the U.S.S.R. It became known as Eurocommunism, where “each nation… must find its own way to a new society through parliamentary democracy and national consensus” (Palmer). It took on a more liberal form of communism. Italy’s economy, unlike before, began to

To begin the process of unity, the United States created the Marshall Plan in 1948. Through this plan, Western European countries could return to their position prior to the Second World War. Great Britain, France, Italy, and many other countries experienced an economic renewal. Also, the plan would reduce communism in the West. The General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was established to reduce tariffs and set a starting point for global commerce. Later on, the World Trade Organization will replace it, but it will serve the same purpose. In addition to the Marshall Plan, the Benelux union between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg was created for a free trade area for the three countries. Next, the European Coal and Steel Community was established between France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. It got rid of import duties, stopped quotas, put production under High