EN
The first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, who stood at the head of
the newly-formed state from 1949-63, changed the face of post-war German and
European history more than any other individual.
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 the six years from 1949-55 Adenauer realised far-reaching foreign policy goals
to bind Germany’s future with 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 reconciliation with France. Together with French President
Charles de Gaulle a historic turning point 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.
Konrad Adenauer:
a pragmatic democrat
and tireless unifier
Konrad Adenauer 1876 – 1967
© European Union
German politics
Born in Catholic Cologne on 5 January 1876 Konrad Adenauer’s
family was of humble background, but also one of order and
discipline instilled by his father. His marriage in 1904 to the daughter
of an influential Cologne family brought him into contact with local
politicians, leading him to become active in politics as well. Taking
full advantage of his political talent, as a member of the catholic
‘Zentrum’ party his career took flight and he became Mayor of
Cologne in 1917. This post included involvement in large projects
such as the building of the first ever highway in Germany between
Cologne and Bonn, and he became known as a determined and
decisive personality. Steering clear from the extreme political
convictions that attracted so many of his generation, Adenauer
was committed to instilling diligence, order, Christian morals and
values into his fellow citizens.
From the late 1920s the Nazi Party began a slander campaign
against Adenauer. He was accused of having anti-German
sentiments, wasting public funds and of being sympathetic
towards the Zionist movement. When in 1933, after the Nazis
had taken power, Adenauer refused to decorate the city with
swastikas for a visit by Hitler, he was dismissed from office
and his bank accounts frozen. He was now jobless, homeless
and without income, dependent on the benevolence of his
friends and the church. Although he lay low for the duration
of the war, he was nevertheless arrested on several occasions.
After the failed assassination attempt on Hitler in 1944,
Adenauer was imprisoned in the notorious Gestapo prison in
Cologne Brauweiler.