Helmut Schmidt

About

Social Democratic politician who was the Chancellor of West Germany from 1974 to 1982. He first came to prominence when he helped stabilize the German economy and currency while he was Minister of Finance from 1972 to 1974.

Before Fame

He fought for Germany during World War II and became a prisoner of war after the British captured him in April 1945 at Lüneburg Heath.

Trivia

He was a skilled pianist who mastered Mozart and Bach, even recording their piano concertos with German pianist and conductor Christoph Eschenbach.

Family Life

He had two children with his childhood sweetheart and wife Hannelore "Loki" Glaser: Helmut Walter and Susanne.

Associated With

He owed much of his political philosophy to Karl Popper, even writing the foreword to Popper's 1982 Festschrift.