# Free France organizes abroad (1940)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1940-free-france-organizes-abroad
Location: London and French colonies

De Gaulle built a rival French authority committed to continuing the war. Within the broader Occupation, Liberation & Fourth Republic period, Defeat in 1940 divided France between Vichy, occupation and resistance. Liberation restored republican government, followed by reconstruction, welfare-state building, European integration and violent decolonization under the Fourth Republic. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Philippe Pétain / Charles de Gaulle (Vichy French State / Free France). Free France organizes abroad is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Free France organizes abroad is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France.

Ruler at the time: [Charles de Gaulle](https://history-france.com/rulers/charles-de-gaulle-1940)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Free France organizes abroad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Free+France+organizes+abroad&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Free France organizes abroad](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Free+France+organizes+abroad)
- [Vie-publique — French institutions and history](https://www.vie-publique.fr/)