This original 1940 wartime poster presents General Charles de Gaulle’s famous appeal À tous les Français—“To All French People”. Bearing the date 18 June 1940, it urges the French population to continue the struggle following the country’s military defeat during the Second World War.
The proclamation begins with the powerful declaration, “France has lost a battle! But France has not lost the war!” De Gaulle calls upon French citizens to unite through action, sacrifice and hope, concluding with the emphatic words “Vive la France!”
Two crossed French flags crown the composition, while a double red and blue border frames the densely arranged text. The restrained tricolour palette, bold typography and absence of illustration give the poster the clarity and authority of an official public declaration.
Following the collapse of France in June 1940, Charles de Gaulle continued the struggle from London and emerged as the leader of Free France. This proclamation became one of the most recognisable visual documents associated with French resistance and the refusal to accept defeat.
An important historical artefact from the Second World War, this original poster would make a significant addition to a collection devoted to General de Gaulle, Free France, French history, political documents or wartime propaganda.
Original Poster
War 39-45 - Politics - France - General De Gaulle
France has lost a battle! But France did not lose the war! Liberation draw
Good condition, creases, a small tear
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