Konrad Adenauer (1876-1967)
The
first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, who stood at the head
of the newly-formed state from 1949-63, changed more than any other the face
of post-war German and European history.
Like many politicians of his generation, Adenauer had already realised following
the First World War that lasting peace could only be achieved through a united
Europe. His experiences during the Third Reich - he was removed from office
as the mayor of Cologne by the Nazis - served to confirm this opinion.
In only six years from 1949-55, Adenauer realised far-reaching foreign policy
goals to bind Germany within the western alliance: membership of the Council
of Europe (1951), foundation of the European Coal and Steel Community (1952),
and Germany's entry into NATO (1955).
A cornerstone of Adenauer's foreign policy was the reconciliation with France.
Together with French president Charles de Gaulle, a turning point in history
was achieved: in 1963 the one-time arch-enemies Germany and France signed
a treaty of friendship which became one of the milestones on the road to European
integration.
