Brandt, Willy (1913–1992)

Willy Brandt was German chancellor from 1969 to 1974. In the course of his political career he also was the mayor of West Berlin from 1957 to 1966, secretary of state from 1966 to 1969, and chairman of the Social Democratic Party from 1964 to 1987. In 1971 he was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize. Due to his achievements in the field of foreign politics, he was especially known as the “peace chancellor.”

When Brandt first ran for chancellor in 1961, he was the first candidate supported by intellectuals such as authors, composers, and artists. Furthermore, Brandt's team organized a tour across the whole republic in a white Mercedes convertible so that the people could meet the candidate in person. “Smiling Willy” also challenged his ...