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 1972 Summer Olympics West Germany at the 1972 Summer Olympics West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany) was the host nation of the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. 423 competitors, 340 men and 83 women, took part in 183 events in 23 sports. West Germany finished in fourth position in the final medal rankings, with 13 gold medals and 40 medals overall. x In the first modern archery competition at the Olympics, West Germany entered two men and two women. Their highest placing competitor was Siegfried Ortmann, at 14th place in the men's competition. Women's Individual Competition: Men's Individual Competition: Men's 800 metres Men's