Helmut Schmidt

Full Name: Helmut Heinrich Waldemar Schmidt
Profession: Chancellor of Germany

Nationality:

Biography: Helmut Schmidt was a German statesman who served as Chancellor of West Germany from 1974 to 1982. He was known for navigating his country through economic turbulence, confronting terrorism, and fostering European cooperation.

Joining the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in 1946, Schmidt's political tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the economy and advance foreign policy, including his role in the creation of the European Monetary System and advocating for European integration.

Schmidt volunteered for military service in 1937 and served in the Luftwaffe during World War II. After the war, he was held as a British prisoner before returning to Germany and beginning his political career.

He was elected to the Bundestag in 1953 and later served as Innensenator of Hamburg, where he managed the 1962 flood crisis. As a minister under Chancellor Willy Brandt, his roles included Minister of Defence and Finance.

As Chancellor, Schmidt engaged in strengthening international alliances and improving Germany's economic situation. He aimed to mitigate the threat of domestic terrorism, particularly combating the Red Army Faction.

His tenure also saw the controversial NATO Double-Track Decision, which was central to Cold War dynamics. After his coalition government collapsed in 1982, he retired from parliamentary politics in 1986, occasionally clashing with his party's left wing over defense and economic policies.

After politics, Schmidt co-founded the AEI World Forum with former U.S. President Gerald Ford and participated in the Inter Action Council. He also became involved in journalism as a co-publisher of Die Zeit newspaper, frequently commenting on current affairs.

Born: December 23, 1918
Birthplace: Barmbeck, Hamburg, Germany

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: November 10, 2015 (aged 96)