Why did Charles de Gaulle have difficult relationships with Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt?

Charles de Gaulle’s relationships with Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt were characterized by persistent tension, primarily stemming from his uncompromising determination to assert French sovereignty and his demand that France be treated as a Great Power among the Allies.12

De Gaulle entered his wartime leadership with few resources and little initial status, yet he possessed an intense, often perceived as obstinate, commitment to fighting for French interests as he defined them. His insistence on his right to speak for France and his bold claim to lead a legal government-in-exile frequently irked both Churchill and Roosevelt.12

Specific points of friction included:
* Political Maneuvering: De Gaulle’s tendency to act independently and his skill in political maneuvering—such as his successful campaign to edge out General Henri Giraud, whom the U.S. government had attempted to support as an alternative leader—caused significant strain.12
* Diplomatic Recognition: The Allies were often reluctant to grant de Gaulle full recognition, which was only solidified after the liberation of Paris in 1944.1
* Clashing Visions: De Gaulle’s unwavering focus on French grandeur and independence often conflicted with the strategic priorities and geopolitical goals of his more powerful allies.13