Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Ludwig Erhard

Role / Field:

Key architect of the West German 'economic miracle' and proponent of the social market economy.

Born:

1897-02-04

Died:

1977-05-05

Century / Era:

1897s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Ludwig Wilhelm Erhard (German: [ˈluːtvɪç ˈʔeːɐ̯haʁt]; 4 February 1897 – 5 May 1977) was a German politician and economist who served as the second chancellor of West Germany from 1963 until 1966. Affiliated with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), he is known for leading the West German postwar economic reforms and economic recovery (Wirtschaftswunder, German for "economic miracle") in his role as Minister of Economic Affairs under Chancellor Konrad Adenauer from 1949 to 1963. During that period, he promoted the concept of the social market economy (soziale Marktwirtschaft), on which Germany's economic policy in the 21st century continues to be based. In his tenure as Chancellor, however, Erhard lacked support from Adenauer, who remained chairman of the CDU party until 1966.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Erhard failed to win the German public's confidence in his handling of a budget deficit and lacked public support for his direction of foreign policy. His popularity waned, and he resigned his chancellorship on 30 November 1966. Ludwig Erhard was born in Fürth, then in the Kingdom of Bavaria, on 4 February 1897. His father Wilhelm Erhard (born 1859) was a Catholic clothing store proprietor, while...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1897 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1897
• February 4 (02-04) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 4
• 1977 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1977
• May 5 (05-05) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 5

Frequently Asked Questions about Ludwig Erhard