Establishment of the French Fourth Republic and De Gaulle’s Resignation

On December 19, 1946, the French Fourth Republic was officially established, a critical moment in the political evolution of France following World War II. This date also marked the resignation of General Charles de Gaulle as the head of the government, a symbolic event that emphasized the shift in power and the political realignments occurring in post-war France.

Context and Background

• After the liberation of France from Nazi occupation in 1944, the provisional government, led by Charles de Gaulle, began laying the groundwork for a new republican government.
• A constitutional assembly was convened to draft a new constitution to replace the Third Republic, which had collapsed in 1940 with the German occupation.
• The process of drafting a new constitution was contentious, reflecting deep divisions in French society and politics over the role of the executive, legislative powers, and state control over the economy.

Political Developments Leading to the Establishment

• Two referenda were held in 1945 and 1946, aiming to settle on the structure and powers of the new government. The first draft constitution was rejected in May 1946.
• A second draft was approved by a narrow margin in October 1946. It established a parliamentary system with a strong National Assembly and a weaker executive.

Charles de Gaulle’s Role and Resignation

• Charles de Gaulle had served as a unifying figure during the war and the immediate post-war period but was increasingly at odds with the political directions favored by the assembly.
• Opposed to the constitution’s weak executive branch, de Gaulle resigned as head of the government on January 20, 1946, but the official acknowledgement and establishment of the Fourth Republic occurred on December 19, 1946.
• De Gaulle’s resignation underscored the challenges of balancing strong leadership with democratic institutions in a war-weary and politically fragmented France.

Aftermath and Significance

• The Fourth Republic was characterized by frequent changes in government and political instability, partially due to its parliamentary framework.
• It initially succeeded in achieving economic growth and social reform. However, it was perceived as ineffective in handling major crises like the Algerian War.
• The instability of the Fourth Republic eventually led to its collapse and the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958, with Charles de Gaulle returning to power as President with a stronger executive branch, addressing the very issues he critiqued earlier.

This moment in history highlights the complexities of rebuilding governance structures in the aftermath of war and occupation, showcasing the interplay of political ideologies and the practical needs of a nation recovering from conflict.