Fifty years ago, French liberation-hero-turned-president Charles de Gaulle stepped down after losing a crucial vote. Here's a look at the events that led up to his resignation half a century ago.
On 27 April 1969, De Gaulle asked the French to vote on a long-awaited bill which would set up new regions in France and renew the Senate.
A few days earlier, as a peace gesture, he had announced he would quit if he lost the vote.
The French rejected the bill by a majority of 52.41%.
The next day, De Gaulle resigned, as he had promised.
Here are some key events leading up to De Gaulle's resignation.
