Willy Brandt

Willy Brandt (1913-1992), German statesman and Nobel laureate, whose leadership was of major importance in the development of West Germany into a world power.

Born in Lübeck on December 18, 1913, Brandt was originally named Herbert Ernst Karl Frahm. He became a socialist in 1930 at the age of 16 and was active as a journalist. In 1933 he assumed the name Willy Brandt and fled to Norway to escape arrest by the Nazis, whom he openly opposed. Returning home after World War II, he was elected as a Social Democrat to the first legislature of the newly constituted Federal Republic of Germany (known as West Germany) in 1949, serving in the lower house until 1957. He was also editor of the newspaper Berliner Stadtblatt in 1950 and 1951.

Brandt first became known internationally as mayor of the beleaguered city of West Berlin from 1957 to 1966. By 1961 he was the leading figure in the Social Democratic party and its candidate for chancellor of West Germany. Unsuccessful in the 1961 and 1965 elections, he became vice chancellor and foreign minister in the “grand coalition” of 1966. In 1969 he was elected chancellor, and he retained the post in the general election of 1972. In 1974, however, Brandt resigned, assuming responsibility for the infiltration of an East German secret agent who had served on his staff as the aide for party affairs.

Brandt was awarded the 1971 Nobel Peace Prize for his work towards the relaxation of tension between Eastern and Western Europe. His policy, known as Ostpolitik, led to the signing of non-aggression pacts between West Germany and both the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Poland in 1970. The unimpeded flow of traffic between East and West Berlin was established by treaty in 1971. Brandt's administration brought West Germany into full participation in the community of nations. After he left office, he was active as president of the Socialist International.