Faced with increasing political instability and the pressures of the Algerian War, France was in dire need of strong leadership. The ongoing conflict in Algeria had deeply divided public opinion and weakened the Fourth Republic's government, leading to a series of crises that culminated in a military-backed demand for change. Seeing the growing unrest, political leaders turned to Charles de Gaulle, a former head of state and revered military leader during World War II. De Gaulle had withdrawn from politics in 1946, but the turmoil of the late 1950s pulled him back into the fray. On June 1, 1958, he was appointed Prime Minister of France by President René Coty amidst a parliamentary deadlock, and the subsequent referendum helped to validate his new powers, which allowed him to rule by decree for six months.

De Gaulle's return was marked by a commitment to stabilize the nation and reform its government by adopting a new constitution that created the Fifth Republic with a stronger presidential office. The new government was designed to enhance executive power, making it easier to respond decisively to crises like the Algerian War. His governance style contrasted with his predecessors, emphasizing firm leadership and national unity. His actions laid the groundwork for significant changes both politically and socially, steering France into a new epoch of governance.

Under his leadership, de Gaulle implemented policies that ultimately led to the end of the Algerian conflict and set the stage for the modern French state. By also negotiating Algerian independence, de Gaulle aimed for a peaceful resolution to one of France's most significant colonial conflicts, playing a crucial role in redefining France's national identity during a time of decolonization across the globe.