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 1968 Summer Olympics place. Three male pentathletes represented West Germany in 1968. West Germany had 26 male rowers participate in all seven rowing events in 1968. Twelve shooters, all men, represented West Germany in 1968. Bernd Klingner won gold in the 50 m rifle, three positions and Konrad Wirnhier won bronze in the skeet. West Germany at the 1968 Summer Olympics Athletes from West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany) competed at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico. It was the first time that East Germany (German Democratic Republic) and West Germany sent separate teams to the Summer Olympic Games. 275 competitors,