On December 21, 1958, the first and only election by electoral college in France took place, resulting in the election of Charles de Gaulle as President. The former general - who had led successful French attacks during World War II - assumed control of the French government after the collapse of the Fourth Republic in May of 1958. He served as Premier from June 1, 1958 until January 8, 1960 by an article of "extraordinary powers," with personal assurances that he would abide by the new French constitution once it was in place.