28

France was going through a serious crisis during the Spring of 1954. Not only were the French subjected to the difficulties and rifts caused by the debate within the European Defense Community, but they were also troubled by the tragic turn taken by the Diên Biên Phû battle. Owing to these circumstances undermining the Fourth Republic, General de Gaulle and his companions thought it was the right time for their return to the helm of the government. They had two possible ways to go about it: appeal to the citizens by organizing a huge popular demonstration, or follow the parliamentary path and topple Laniel’s government. Whatever the choice, their purpose was to create a political crisis that would justify a new system.