During World War II, the Free French movement emerged as a political force opposed to the Vichy regime collaborating with Nazi Germany. Fueled by the leadership of Charles de Gaulle, the Free French fought for the restoration of a republican, democratic France. As such, they were often referred to as "libre" (free) in French. Synonyms for "Free French" include "forces françaises libres," "l'Armee de la France Libre," or simply "les libres." The movement and its associated military divisions were instrumental in the Allied liberation of France, particularly during Operation Overlord in 1944. Today, the legacy of the Free French lives on as a symbol of resistance against oppression and tyranny.