Why did Charles de Gaulle withdraw France from NATO’s integrated military command in 1966?

In 1966, Charles de Gaulle withdrew France from NATO’s integrated military command primarily to reestablish French national sovereignty and military independence.12

De Gaulle’s decision was driven by several key factors:

• Opposition to Foreign Domination: He criticized the organization for being dominated by the United States and argued that the integrated structure subjected France to "automatic" war based on the decisions of foreign powers.1
• Skepticism of the U.S. Nuclear Umbrella: Following the advent of the missile age, de Gaulle doubted the reliability of American protection, questioning whether the U.S. would truly risk a nuclear attack on its own cities to defend Europe.2
• Pursuit of Strategic Autonomy: De Gaulle sought to restore French grandeur by developing an independent nuclear deterrent, the force de frappe, and rejected proposals for a multilateral nuclear force under NATO command.2
• Sovereignty: He viewed the presence of international staffs and NATO activities on French soil as an intrusion upon French sovereignty, leading him to require that NATO headquarters and forces leave the country.12