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Why is the year 1958 important for France?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: The Fifth Republic begins. In 1958 the Fifth Republic begins. Charles de Gaulle comes back to power and offers a new Constitution. It is the regime France still has today. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “La Vème République” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “La Vème République” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ The Vichy regime beginsLe régime de Vichy commenceIt begins in 1940.
- ✗ The Fourth Republic beginsLa IVème République commenceIt begins in 1946.
- ✓ The Fifth Republic beginsLa Vème République commenceCorrect answer. In 1958 the Fifth Republic begins. Charles de Gaulle comes back to power and offers a new Constitution. It is the regime France still has today.
- ✗ The French Revolution beginsLa Révolution française commenceIt begins in 1789.
What the source says
« Elle est instaurée le 4 octobre 1958, face à une crise politique majeure liée à la guerre d’Algérie et à l’instabilité gouvernementale de la IVème République. »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Pourquoi l'année 1958 est-elle importante pour la France ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the multi-year residence card (CSP). The Ministry's wording: “Pourquoi l’année 1958 est importante pour la France ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “La Vème République” (French).
All 47 “History, geography and culture” questions on the CSP list
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