Failed Assassination Attempt on Charles de Gaulle
August 22nd, 1962
August 22nd, 1962
How Long Ago?
62 years, 6 months, 21 days ago
Location
Paris, France
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
Algerian War of Independence
People
- Charles de Gaulle
- OAS members
Links & References
Tags
Failed Assassination Attempt on Charles de Gaulle
On August 22, 1962, a failed assassination attempt against French President Charles de Gaulle occurred in Paris. The incident was carried out by the OAS, a paramilitary group opposing de Gaulle's policies regarding Algeria. The group detonated a bomb and attempted to shoot at de Gaulle's convoy while he was returning from a meeting. However, due to a series of miscalculations, the assassination attempt ultimately failed, and de Gaulle escaped unharmed.
Attempt by OAS against de Gaulle's policies
Involved explosives and gunfire in Paris
Failed to assassinate de Gaulle successfully
Marked a key moment in Algerian independence
What Happened?
In the early 1960s, France was facing significant turmoil due to the Algerian War of Independence. The conflict saw the Algerian people fighting for liberation from French colonial rule, leading to political divisions within France. Charles de Gaulle, who became President of France in 1959, championed a policy of self-determination for Algeria, which angered hardline factions within France, particularly the Organisation Armée Secrète (OAS). The OAS, founded by military officers, vigorously opposed de Gaulle's approach and sought to undermine his government through violent means. On this fateful day, the OAS orchestrated a multi-faceted assassination attempt. They planted explosives along de Gaulle's route and deployed gunmen intending to target his motorcade. While a bomb detonated, it was poorly timed, and gunmen failed to hit their mark, allowing de Gaulle to escape unscathed. This attempt represented the intense political strife in France and underscored the deep divisions over the Algerian question and de Gaulle's leadership.
Why Does it Matter?
The failed assassination attempt on Charles de Gaulle highlighted the extreme polarization within French society regarding the Algerian War, demonstrating the lengths to which opposition groups would go to resist perceived betrayal of national interests. It solidified de Gaulle's determination to pursue his policies, contributing to the eventual independence of Algeria in 1962 and shaping France's post-colonial identity. The event marked a significant moment in modern French history, influencing political discourse and nurturing the rise of extremist sentiments in subsequent decades.
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