ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the evolution of France's political system during the Fifth Republic, paying particular attention to terms in office of the seven presidents since 1958. On 13 May 1958, rebellious military officers, backed by rioting European settlers, finally overthrew the legal government in Algiers. The conspirators threatened to extend rebellion to mainland France, unless General de Gaulle was called upon to lead nation's affairs. The chapter identifies domestic- and foreign-policy explanations. In terms of foreign policy, de Gaulle was conscious that France's new anti-imperialist discourse rested uneasily alongside the continuing French colonial presence in Algeria. The counterpart to greater independence from the United States was an attempt to strengthen France's role within Europe. The other aspect of European policy was to promote France's interests at expense of those of United Kingdom, regarded as an American Trojan Horse within Europe. De Gaulle's vision of dominant France within Europe depended upon frustrating the UK's desire to join European Economic Community (EEC).
