Why did Charles de Gaulle broadcast an appeal from London on June 18, 1940?

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Nazi leaders in Paris — Battle of France Adolf Hitler (center) in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris shortly after signing an armistice with France, June 1940.

Charles de Gaulle broadcast his appeal from London on June 18, 1940, to urge his compatriots to continue the war against Germany.12

He took this action following the collapse of the government of Paul Reynaud, who had favored continued resistance. On June 16, 1940, Reynaud was replaced by Marshal Philippe Pétain, who intended to seek an armistice with the Germans. Having traveled to England on a mission to explore the possibilities of continuing the war, de Gaulle chose to remain there and broadcast his call to arms, effectively becoming the leader of the nascent Free French movement.1342