Stock Photo - Dec. 7, 1956 - Bonn, Germany - West Germany's first chancellor KONRAD ADENAUER began his career in politics as a member of the Cologne City Council, becoming lord mayor of the city. After the Nazis came to power in 1933, Adenauer, who had not hidden distaste for them, lost his positions, was forced to go into 'exile' for a year in an abbey and was later interned in a prison camp. Adenauer was elected Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany on 15 September 1949. His main aim was to ensure West Germany's transition to a sovereign, democratic state. He held power for the next fourteen years and during that time played an important role in restoring good relations with France and the United States. PICTURED: State visit of Italian president GIOVANNI GRONCHI: nuncio ALOISIUS MUENCH, KONRAD ADENAUER, GIOVANNI GRONCHI and German president THEODOR HEUSS. (Credit Image: © Keystone Press Agency/Keystone USA via ZUMAPRESS.com)