Besides having once met Artur Axmann as a teenager, why is Helmut Kohl a notable personality?

Helmut Kohl (born April 3, 1930) was a German statesman, who served as Chancellor of Germany from 1982 to 1998 (of West Germany 1982–90 and of the reunited Germany 1990–98). This way, he was the first Chancellor of a unified Germany. He was the Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), a very important political party from 1973 to 1998.

Noting his youth, after his older brother died in World War II, Kohl at the age of 15 was then drafted into the military in 1945; however, he was not involved in any combat. On Hitler's birthday, Kohl was sworn into the Hitler Youth by leader Artur Axmann (Reichsjugendführer) at Berchtesgaden, just days before the end of the war.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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22 Comments

Grant McIntosh

Why not just ask who was Helmut Kohl....why bring Artur Axmann into the question ? As pointless as asking: "besides being left handed, who is Paul McCartney ?"

Stephanie Fox

I met him when he came to our office when I was stationed in Germany during President Reagan's visit. He headed straight for my candy jar full of M & M on my desk. 😀

Ilias Tsiabardas

Helmut kohl I remember him was a Chancellor of Germany

Joseph A. Robitaille

I knew who was .Who is Artur Axmann??

Leapy Lee

I believe the issue with Kohl was he donated money to and lobbied for an organisation that supported imprisoned Nazi war criminals and their families. So, while he may not have had a direct link to Hitler, his actions after the war were circumspect. Also he was forced from office over corruption scandals.