Failed Assassination Attempt on Charles de Gaulle

August 22nd, 1962

August 22nd, 1962

Failed Assassination Attempt on Charles de Gaulle
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.

Discover More Historic Events from August 22nd

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Ethnic Clashes Over Cattle Grazing Rights

August 22nd, 2012 12 years ago

Ethnic communities in Tana River District clashed over grazing rights, leading to more than 52 fatalities. The conflict arose from long-standing tensions over resource access, exacerbated by competition between local communities. The clashes predominantly involved the Pokomo and the Orma ethnic groups, with both sides engaging in violent confrontations that resulted in homes being burned and many residents displaced. Security forces were deployed to the region to restore order.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

Texas Rangers Score 30 Runs Against Orioles

August 22nd, 2007 17 years ago

In a historic baseball game, the Texas Rangers defeated the Baltimore Orioles with a staggering score of 30–3. The game showcased the Rangers’ offensive prowess, with numerous players contributing to the record-breaking tally. The match was played at the Rangers' home stadium, Ameriquest Field in Arlington, Texas. Fueled by strong offensive strategy and capitalizing on Baltimore's pitching struggles, Texas established the modern era record for most runs in a single game, surpassing previous high scores and marking a significant moment in Major League Baseball history.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Pulkovo Aviation Flight 612 crashes in Ukraine

August 22nd, 2006 18 years ago

Pulkovo Aviation Enterprise Flight 612, a scheduled flight from Anapa, Russia to St. Petersburg, crashed near the Russian border over eastern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of all 170 individuals on board. The aircraft, a Tupolev Tu-154, was on approach when it lost contact with air traffic control and tragically disappeared from radar. The cause of the crash was attributed to poor weather conditions, with heavy thunderstorms reported in the area.

Continue Reading
Education & Academia

Grigori Perelman Rejects Fields Medal Award

August 22nd, 2006 18 years ago

Grigori Perelman, a Russian mathematician, was awarded the prestigious Fields Medal for his groundbreaking proof of the Poincaré conjecture, a long-standing problem in topology. However, he made headlines by refusing to accept the medal, citing his discontent with the mathematical community and its values. Perelman's decision shocked many and sparked discussions about recognition and the nature of mathematical achievement.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

The Scream and Madonna paintings stolen in Oslo

August 22nd, 2004 20 years ago

Two famous paintings by Edvard Munch, 'The Scream' and 'Madonna,' were stolen from the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, during broad daylight. Armed thieves entered the museum and threatened staff and visitors before making off with the iconic artworks. The brazen heist, occurring at around 11 a.m., drew significant media attention as these works are considered vital to Norway’s cultural heritage, reflecting the country’s devotion to Munch's legacy. The paintings were valued at millions and the theft raised concerns over museum security in an age when art theft has become increasingly prevalent.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Roy Moore Suspended Over Ten Commandments Controversy

August 22nd, 2003 21 years ago

Roy Moore, the Chief Justice of Alabama, was suspended for refusing to comply with a federal court order to remove a granite monument inscribed with the Ten Commandments from the Alabama Supreme Court building. The order stemmed from a lawsuit filed by the ACLU, arguing that the monument violated the separation of church and state. Moore's suspension highlighted the contentious battle over religious symbols in public spaces in the United States.

Continue Reading