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
The Man who Put the Germ in Germany to highlight their achievements. For example, in the chorus: The use of word play continues throughout the song, even to shine a negative light on Germany and its emperor during World War I, Wilhelm II. The lyrics read: The Man who Put the Germ in Germany The Man who Put the Germ in Germany is a song written in 1918 during World War I. Lyrics and music were composed by Nora Bayes, Sam Downing, and Abe Glatt. Waterson, Berlin & Snyder, Inc. of New York City published the song for both voice and piano. It reached number seven on the