The RPF was founded by Charles de Gaulle in Strasbourg on 14 April 1947,[2] one year after his resignation from the presidency of the provisional government and four months after the proclamation of the Fourth Republic.

For de Gaulle, the "regime of the parties" which characterized the parliamentary system did not permit the advent of a strong and efficient state.

The RPF was able to gain the support of Maurrasien royalists (of the Action Française), leftist republicans such as André Malraux, moderates, Christian democrats such as Edmond Michelet, radicals such as Jacques Chaban-Delmas and Michel Debré, and even socialists and communists.

The party enjoyed success in municipal elections (1947), capturing the cities of Lille, Marseille, Bordeaux (with Jacques Chaban-Delmas), Strasbourg, Rennes, Versailles, Le Mans, and Nancy with over 35% of votes.

In Paris in 1947, Pierre de Gaulle, the brother of the General, became President of the municipal council, a post similar to mayor.

The 1951 election was a relative success for the RPF, but the electoral law (apparentements), created to favor the Third Force coalition (MRP, SFIO, RGR etc.)