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General Charles de Gaulle poses with arms crossed, wearing a decorated military uniform and kepi with ornate embroidery, against a dark background.

At a Glance

Germany invades Poland, September 1, 1939, using 45 German divisions and aerial attack. By September 20, only Warsaw held out, but final surrender came on September 29.

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General Charles de Gaulle poses with arms crossed, wearing a decorated military uniform and kepi with ornate embroidery, against a dark background.

Charles de Gaulle

Gen. Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free French movement, c. 1942.

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