Konrad Adenauer to a central position in Europe, presiding over the German Economic Miracle. He was a driving force behind West Germany becoming the first German state to re-establish a national military (the "Bundeswehr") in 1955. He came to terms with France, which made possible the economic unification of Western Europe. Adenauer opposed rival East Germany and made his nation a member of NATO and a firm ally of the United States. Adenauer, who was Chancellor until age 87, was dubbed "Der Alte" ("the elder"). British politician and historian Roy Jenkins says he was "the oldest statesman ever to function in elected
West Germany at the 1976 Winter Paralympics West Germany at the 1976 Winter Paralympics The West Germany competed at the 1976 Winter Paralympics in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden from February 21 to 28, 1976. The team finished first out of the sixteen competing nations in the medal table and won twenty eight medals: ten gold, twelve silver and six bronze. Athletes from West Germany competed in 76 events in two sports: Alpine Skiing and Cross Country Skiing. West Germany won 17 medals in Alpine Skiing: eight gold, seven silver and two bronze, whereas it won 15 medals in Cross Country Skiing: two gold, seven silver and six bronze. The