Franco-German reconciliation

Relations between Germany and France remain tense even after the Second World War. It is difficult for the French people to overcome the defeat by Hitler Germany and the humiliation of years of occupation (1940-44). France is one of the four occupation powers in Germany along with the US, the UK, and the USSR. It is one of the three protecting powers for West Berlin. In addition, France has placed the Saar district with its coal production under its administration as a "protectorate". France is creating close economic ties to the Saar district. The "Saar problem" is creating an additional burden for the two neighboring countries, because the overwhelming majority of the population of the French-occupied district insist on their identity as Germans.

President De Gaulle and Chancellor Adenauer embrace after signing the historic treaty. ©Bundesbildstelle

As the 1950s begin, Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman make efforts to achieve a Franco-German reconciliation. The two "Europe-oriented" statesmen want to preclude a war among European states for all times through the economic and political integration of the West European states. Konrad Adenauer at the same time follows the goal of establishing the Federal Republic of Germany as a co-equal partner in the community of nations and as the representative of the entire German people.

In April 1951 the treaty establishing the European coal and steel community is signed. In this supra-national organization the coal and steel industries of six participating states (the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg) are placed under common supervision and a common market. With the founding of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 the cornerstone is laid for cooperation in European policies between Germany and France. The two countries henceforth are the driving force on the road to European integration.

In January 1957 the Saar district reverts to Germany after a plebiscite.

In 1958 General Charles de Gaulle is elected President of France. De Gaulle is bound to Adenauer through friendship. In January 1963 the two statesmen sign the Franco-German treaty of amity. It contemplates close cooperation between the two states in foreign, educational, and youth policies. The treaty puts an end to a century of "blood feud". Youth is to play an important role in the reconciliation. The Franco-German youth organization is founded for this purpose.