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 Summer Olympics competitor in the men's division. Women's Individual Competition: Men's Individual Competition: Men's 800 metres Men's 4 × 100 m Relay Men's 4 × 400 m Relay Men's 400m Hurdles Men's Marathon Men's Long Jump Men's High Jump Men's Discus Throw Men's 20 km Race Walk Women's Shot Put Men's Flyweight (– 51 kg) Twelve cyclists represented West Germany in 1976. 16 fencers, 11 men and 5 women, represented West Germany in 1976. Three male pentathletes represented West Germany in 1976. West Germany at the 1976 Summer Olympics West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany) competed at the 1976 Summer Olympics in