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Konrad Adenauer is widely remembered as the first Chancellor of West Germany, leading the nation’s post-World War II recovery. However, a significant portion of his early career – his 15 years as Lord Mayor of Cologne during the Weimar Republic – remains largely unknown. A recently revisited portrait commissioned in 1932/33 offers a glimpse into this often-overlooked period of his life.
A Portrait and a Political Climate
In 1933, Cologne’s Lord Mayor, Konrad Adenauer, commissioned a portrait from artist Johannes Greferath. The work was officially commissioned, with “Cologne City Hall” listed as its designated location. Completed in mid-February 1933, the portrait was lauded by Heinz Stephan, chief editor of the “Kölner Lokalanzeiger für Stadt und Land,” who described the subject’s gaze as “searching,” “not cold or hostile,” but “filled with kind participation.” Stephan believed the portrait revealed “clear consideration” and a “firm will” to act decisively.
Did You Know? Konrad Adenauer was 73 years and 254 days old when he became the first Federal Chancellor of Germany on September 15, 1949.
Just four weeks after this glowing review, Adenauer was ousted from City Hall by SA members and subsequently suspended from his position – a suspension that was, according to the source, unlawful. This abrupt end to his mayoral tenure overshadowed his previous accomplishments in local politics, leaving them largely forgotten outside of Cologne.
Building a Modern Cologne
Adenauer assumed the role of Lord Mayor on September 18, 1917, succeeding to the position without opposition during wartime. As a member of the Catholic Centre Party, he pursued a pragmatic, conservative, and modernization-focused political agenda. His twelve-year term allowed him to initiate long-term projects without being constrained by electoral cycles.
Among his key achievements was the transformation of Cologne following the demolition of its fortifications. He successfully advocated for the creation of two green belts instead of continuous development, significantly improving the city’s climate. He also spearheaded the construction of a Rhine port in Cologne-Niehl and attracted the U.S. Ford Motor Company to establish a European plant nearby. Cologne’s first airport and Germany’s first freeway, connecting to Bonn, were also built under his leadership. Adenauer also embraced concepts of the social market economy, modernizing housing to attract and retain skilled workers.
Successes and Setbacks
The re-establishment of the University of Cologne in 1919 was a notable success. Closed by French forces in 1798, the university was re-founded by Prussia in Bonn, a move Adenauer worked to reverse for Cologne. By 1926, Cologne had become the second-largest university city in Germany, after Berlin.
The founding of the Cologne Trade Fair in 1924, completed in 1928, aimed to strengthen economic ties with Western Europe and foster peace through commerce. However, the project was financed through short-term loans from American banks, placing a strain on the city’s finances, and nearly leading to bankruptcy in 1931. This experience, the source notes, taught Adenauer the importance of sustainable growth over reliance on credit.
Expert Insight: Adenauer’s experience navigating the economic pressures of the late 1920s and early 1930s appears to have profoundly shaped his later fiscal policies as Chancellor, emphasizing stability and long-term planning.
Other projects, such as plans for an underground railway system and expansion of the main train station, remained unrealized during his tenure, though they were later completed after 1945.
A Rising Political Figure
Throughout his time as Lord Mayor, extending to 1941, Adenauer was repeatedly considered for higher office. His confidence earned him nicknames like “Chancellor of the West” and “King of the Rhineland.” He was discussed as a potential Reich Chancellor in 1921, 1926, and 1928.
However, Adenauer’s firm defense of democracy against the rising Nazi movement after 1930 made him a target. He openly defied Adolf Hitler during his first visit to Cologne in February 1933, refusing a reception and ordering the removal of Nazi flags from a bridge, actions that led directly to his dismissal.
The location of the Greferath portrait after its creation remains somewhat unclear. Family photos suggest it hung in his Rhöndorf home in the 1940s, but was later moved and, at times, overshadowed by other artwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Konrad Adenauer’s position in Cologne before becoming Chancellor?
Konrad Adenauer served as the Lord Mayor of Cologne from 1917 to 1933, and again until 1941.
What was the reaction to the portrait of Adenauer in 1933?
The portrait was initially praised by a local newspaper editor, who highlighted the intelligence and determination conveyed in Adenauer’s expression. However, this positive reception was short-lived, as Adenauer was soon ousted from office.
What lessons did Adenauer learn from the financial difficulties faced by Cologne in the early 1930s?
Adenauer learned to avoid short-term loans and prioritize genuine economic growth over unsustainable projects, a lesson he reportedly applied during his time as Chancellor.
Considering the challenges Adenauer faced as Lord Mayor of Cologne, and his eventual rise to become the first Chancellor of West Germany, how might his early experiences have shaped his approach to leadership on a national scale?
