Final answer:
Charles de Gaulle's presidency was marked by his veto of Britain's admission to the EEC, reflecting his commitment to European independence from American influence and his advocacy for French sovereignty.
Step-by-step explanation:
During Charles de Gaulle's presidency, several significant events occurred that shaped France's history. After World War II, De Gaulle emerged as a hero of the French Resistance and, eventually, the leader of France. In January 1963, De Gaulle exercised his presidential power by vetoing Britain's admission to the European Economic Community (EEC), now known as the European Union (EU). He expressed concerns about Britain's close ties to the United States, fearing it would compromise the independence of the EEC. This move demonstrated De Gaulle's vision for a Europe led by France and Germany, without American influence. De Gaulle's position on British admission to the EEC was likely based on his desire to maintain European autonomy and protect France's economic and political interests. He argued that because of Britain's relationship with the U.S., it sought special protections and concessions which were not in the interest of a unified European community. Throughout his presidency, De Gaulle advocated strongly for French sovereignty and European integration, which sometimes brought him into conflict with other world powers and even other European states.