On 14 September 1958, French President General de Gaulle (on the left) welcomes German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer (on the right) to his house in Colombey-les-deux-Églises. Adenauer was to be the only foreign Head of Government to be invited to La Boisserie, General de Gaulle’s private residence.

‘The two churches.’ On 16 September 1958, German cartoonist Wolfgang Hicks illustrates the private meeting between Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and French President Charles de Gaulle in the General’s country house in Colombey-les-deux-Églises. After his return to power, General de Gaulle decided to invite the German Chancellor to discuss the question of relations between the two countries. Adenauer was to be the only foreign Head of Government to spend a night at La Boisserie, the private residence of General de Gaulle. For Hicks, the two men, who are meeting for the first time, seem to have difficulties hearing each other as their voices are drowned out by the noise of the bells ringing to celebrate the event. Beneath the two national flags (a Cross of Lorraine has been added to the French flag) flying from the bell towers, we see two weather vanes, one a Gallic rooster and the other an effigy of the little Michel, the allegorical figure of Germany.

‘What’s the weather going to be like?’ On 15 September 1958, General Charles de Gaulle welcomes Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer to his house in Colombey-les-deux-Églises, in the department of Haute-Marne. Cartoonist Paul Flora illustrates this first meeting between the two Heads of State and speculates on the future of Franco-German relations. On top of the church, the rooster weathervane resembles General de Gaulle.

On 26 November 1958, General de Gaulle meets Chancellor Adenauer in Bad Kreuznach, a town in Rhineland-Palatinate which was the seat of the imperial headquarters in 1917. The photo shows Chancellor Adenauer waving to the crowd and welcoming the French President at Bad Kreuznach station. This is the second meeting between the two leaders after their meeting in Colombey-les-deux-Églises on 14 and 15 September 1958.

‘We’re committed to a Franco-German friendship that lasts as long as possible!’ In 1958, in the East German satirical magazine Eulenspiegel, cartoonist Harri Parschau harshly criticises the real implications of Franco-German rapprochement. Given the new friendship between the two countries, West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer hopes that the Federal Republic of Germany will benefit from France’s future atomic weapon, currently under development. While cajoling his French partner with one hand, Adenauer points to the sought-after object with the other (General de Gaulle’s nose has taken the shape of an atomic rocket).

‘In safe harbour. Mais oui, Conrade, I only know one Germany, your Germany …’ On 4 March 1959, during the third meeting between French President Charles de Gaulle and Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer at the Château de Marly, German cartoonist Ernst Maria Lang paints an ironic picture of Franco-German rapprochement and the close links being forged between the two men.

‘Twenty years later. “Now, dear wolf, you’re welcome. And of course you can bite those nasty Algerians!”’ In September 1959, in the satirical East German magazine Eulenspiegel, cartoonist Kurt Poltiniak uses the tale of Little Red Riding Hood to harshly criticise the dangerous rapprochement between France and the Federal Republic of Germany. Twenty years after the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany and the start of the Second World War, General de Gaulle, depicted as Little Red Riding Hood wearing the Phrygian cap associated with Marianne, welcomes the new friendship with his partner from across the Rhine, portrayed as a wolf with sharpened teeth wearing the Iron Cross (a German military medal) and carrying a helmet containing a rocket. Poltiniak deplores an unholy alliance which in reality is serving France’s designs in Algeria and contributing to the revival of a militaristic West Germany.

‘Visit of the splendid historical entrance of the Château de Rambouillet.’ On 30 July 1960, German cartoonist Corso illustrates the meeting between French President de Gaulle and Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer at the Château de Rambouillet. During their discussions, the two men sketch out broad plans for the political reorganisation of Europe around a Franco-German core. On the steps, the two allegorical figures for France and Germany, Marianne and Michel, are standing face to face in front of an imposing entrance flanked by statues of Adenauer and de Gaulle which form the pillars supporting ‘Europe’.

‘Chez Charles. “Of course I only love you, you, you — but you still have some amends to make, my dear!”’ On 12 September 1959, German cartoonist Manfred Oesterle illustrates the slow process of rapprochement between France and West Germany. A young, beautiful Marianne, the allegorical figure of France, wearing the Phrygian cap decorated with a cockade, is charming the old Chancellor Adenauer, who has invited her to his table, while President de Gaulle, dressed as a waiter, discreetly hands over the ‘French’ bill. Despite the establishment of closer relations between the two leaders, the divisions and wounds from the Second World War still run deep on the French side.

‘De Gaulle–Adenauer or: A tale of two Europes! My Glory! My Krupp!’ On 8 August 1960, French cartoonist Moisan takes an ironic view of the meeting between French President de Gaulle and Federal Chancellor Adenauer at the Château de Rambouillet, where the two men discuss the importance of forging good Franco-German relations and talk about the plans for reorganising Europe and NATO. General de Gaulle, depicted as master of the house, shows his guests around the Château de Rambouillet, a former royal residence and current presidential residence that is a historic symbol of France’s greatness and power. The allusion to Krupp emphasises the important role played in Germany by this steel firm, directed by the Krupp family, which flourished during the First and Second World Wars through arms manufacture.

‘Sachsenring circuit. “Watch our for the British! … They never lead but they’re always in a good position for the final sprint!”’ On 14 August 1960, in view of the ongoing Franco-German rapprochement, French cartoonist Jacques Faizant paints an ironic picture of the good advice given by President de Gaulle to Federal Chancellor Adenauer concerning the United Kingdom. General de Gaulle remains very wary of the British and is opposed to any idea of British accession to the Common Market. His stance highlights the rivalry between the two countries for leadership in Europe. The French President is also particularly sceptical of the United Kingdom’s relationship with the United States. From left to right, although the Franco-German duo (Konrad Adenauer and Charles de Gaulle) is leading the race, it needs to watch out for the third cyclist in the leading pack, British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.

‘Charles de Gaulle’s road to Europe: not together, but side by side.’ Following a press conference held on 5 September 1960, General de Gaulle is accused of rejecting supranationality as a means of unifying Europe; instead, he develops his idea of a Europe of states. German cartoonist Ekö ironically portrays the highly idiosyncratic vision of European integration advocated by General de Gaulle. To the right of the French President, German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.

‘Hot chick Europe. Hello, darling! Who do you fancy speeding off with?’ On 24 September 1960, German cartoonist Horst Haitzinger paints an ironic picture of the European action of French President de Gaulle and Federal Chancellor Adenauer, depicted as two bikers flirting with Europe. Which of the two leaders will carry the fate of Europe? The previous day, 23 September 1960, General de Gaulle sent a letter to the German Chancellor in which he emphasised the importance of Franco-German cooperation to promote European political unity.

‘The emperors of Europe. Charlemagne and Konradin.’ On 22 May 1961, as General de Gaulle visits Chancellor Adenauer in Bonn to prepare for the forthcoming meeting between the Heads of State or Government of the Six in Bad Godesberg, German cartoonist Ernst Maria Lang, taking inspiration from the portrait of Charlemagne by German painter and engraver Albert Dürer, offers an ironic look at the new Franco-German duo in Europe. General de Gaulle, represented as Charlemagne in full pomp with the imperial globe, coronation sword and imperial crown, takes the leading role over little Chancellor Adenauer. But this otherwise peaceful idyll is threatened by the ticking time bomb of the Algerian conflict.

On 18 July 1961, Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer (on the right) welcomes French President Charles de Gaulle for a state visit.

‘Patience, Europa — everything takes time!’ On 19 July 1961, the day after the meeting of the Six in Bad Godesberg, Bonn, German cartoonist Herbert Kolfhaus illustrates the efforts of the Six to develop European political cooperation, particularly emphasising the role played by German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and French President de Gaulle in this process.

‘Friends for life …’ In 1962, in the satirical East German journal Eulenspiegel, cartoonist Harri Parschau deplores the reasons for the policy of approximation between France and the Federal Republic of Germany. Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer (on the left) seems keen to get his hands on France’s atomic arsenal, while French President Charles de Gaulle (on the right) is only interested in West Germany’s vast industrial resources.

‘May I be — please don’t forget! — the third person in your union.’ On 1 July 1962, as the German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer visits France, German cartoonist Herbert Kolfhaus — taking inspiration from a famous couplet in the poem Die Bürgschaft (‘The Hostage’), by Friedrich von Schiller — emphasises that European unity should not be sacrificed for the sake of good Franco-German relations.

‘In Paris! Charlie, we’re … I mean, I’m here!’ On 2 July 1962, German cartoonist Hanns Erich Köhler illustrates the official visit by Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer to France. Like a couple meeting again after being apart, Adenauer (dressed as a woman) is welcomed with open arms by a General de Gaulle dressed in the uniform of a horseman of the Republican Guard. But the Chancellor is accompanied by a baby named ‘Europe’, proving that Adenauer is committed to European integration in the forthcoming negotiations due to take place between the two partners.

On 3 July 1962, French cartoonist Effel illustrates Federal Chancellor Adenauer’s official visit to France and the procession of ghosts from the past that trails behind him as he makes his way to the French Foreign Ministry. From left to right: Frederick the Great, Bismarck, Kaiser Wilhelm II and Hitler, all of whom bear witness to more than three decades of brutal conflict between the two countries. Rapprochement between France and the Federal Republic of Germany will depend on an important process of reconciliation.

‘The Holy Franco-German Europe, apostolic and Roman, deserves at least a ceremony! Mr Couve de Murville is still lagging behind.’ On 4 July 1962, as German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer visits France, French cartoonist Roland Moisan shows President de Gaulle and Chancellor Adenauer attending mass together in Reims Cathedral, where the Kings of France were crowned from the sixth century onwards. This historic visit by Adenauer to France, just 17 years after the end of the Second World War, underlines the determination of the two leaders to work towards reconciliation. Moisan also insists on the Western Christian nature of this future Franco-German partnership in Europe.

‘Reims’. On 6 July 1962, Austrian cartoonist Paul Flora illustrates the meeting in Reims between Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and French President Charles de Gaulle, whose monumental silhouettes form the two towers of the city’s cathedral. The handshake between the two leaders seals the reconciliation between France and Germany, while French and German troops parade peacefully together in front of the cathedral.

On 6 July 1962, Austrian cartoonist Ironimus illustrates the ‘new Europe’ as envisaged by Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and French President Charles de Gaulle — a Europe that gravitates around the Franco-German axis.

‘Lots of people are more interested in Paris–Deauville or Lyon–Saint Tropez …’ On 6 July 1962, as Chancellor Adenauer makes an official visit to France, French cartoonist Jean Effel paints an ironic picture of how interested the French public are in the question of Franco-German rapprochement. In this month of July 1962, the people of France seem more interested in their summer holidays than in the good relations between de Gaulle and Adenauer and the Paris–Bonn axis (see the map on the wall behind the two leaders).

‘Tour d’Alliance’. On 7 July 1962, during the official visit to France by Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, German cartoonist Ernst Maria Lang takes an ironic look at the friendship between France and Germany and the good relations between de Gaulle and Adenauer. The Chancellor has a hectic schedule while in France, including receptions and gala evenings in Paris and a three-day tour of various other French cities (Rouen, Beauvais, Bordeaux and Reims). For General de Gaulle, this visit should offer a powerful demonstration of the reconciliation between France and Germany.

‘French Europe. Me, ambitious? But my dear, if I’d wanted to, I’d have become mayor of Colombey!’ On 7 July 1962, following the visit of Chancellor Konrad Adenauer (on the right) to France, French cartoonist Jacques Faizant paints an ironic picture of the political ambitions of General de Gaulle (on the left) with regard to the future of Europe.

On 8 July 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle and Chancellor Adenauer, on an official visit to France, observe a march-past of French and German troops at Mourmelon military camp. At 9.30 a.m., the two leaders arrive in Mourmelon in a car decorated with French and German colours to see a guard of honour formed by paratroopers, accompanied by the strains of the Marche consulaire. Some 1 500 French soldiers, 1 000 German soldiers and armoured vehicles from the two countries then parade past French President de Gaulle, in field uniform, and West German Chancellor Adenauer.

On 8 July 1962, during an official visit to France by the West German Chancellor, French President Charles de Gaulle and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer attend a solemn mass for peace at Reims Cathedral. The two leaders reaffirm their determination to work together for Franco-German reconciliation and rapprochement.

On 8 July 1962, during Chancellor Konrad Adenauer’s official visit to France, President Charles de Gaulle and his guest observe a parade of French and German troops at Mourmelon military camp before attending a mass for peace at Reims Cathedral, celebrated by Monseigneur Marty, Archbishop of Reims. The two leaders are actively working for reconciliation and rapprochement between their two countries. The choice of the city of Reims to celebrate this mass for peace is highly symbolic: the city was occupied during the Franco-Prussian War, became a martyred city in the First World War and was where the German army surrendered to the Allies on 7 May 1945.

‘Viewed from above’. On 9 July 1962, Fritz Behrendt, a Dutch cartoonist originally from Berlin, depicts the meditations of Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and General de Gaulle in Reims Cathedral as a powerful demonstration of the new solidarity and reconciliation between France and Germany, observed by Frederick the Great, Napoleon and Bismarck. After centuries of violent clashes, this fraternal handshake between the two men signals the new found friendship between the two countries.

‘Old friends. Europe’s hour of glory: Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer march past each other during an official parade and salute each other as they salute the troops.’ On 28 July 1962, German cartoonist Josef Sauer illustrates the success of Federal Chancellor Adenauer’s visit to France, which is seen as a resounding demonstration of Franco-German solidarity. During this visit, French President de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer attend the first joint parade of French and German troops in Mourmelon. France and West Germany have gone from being old enemies to ‘old friends’. In the cartoon, the two men have swapped uniforms and parade together.

From 4 to 9 September 1962, French President de Gaulle makes an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, during which he has several meetings with the Federal Chancellor and encounters with the German people. The photo shows Chancellor Adenauer (on the left) welcoming the French President on his arrival at Cologne airport.

On 4 September 1962, in Bonn, the German Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, welcomes General de Gaulle on a five-day official visit to Germany to the applause of a crowd calling for greater European integration.

On 4 September 1962 in Bonn, during an offficial five-day visit to the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), General de Gaulle, President of the French Republic, expresses his admiration for the German people amid applause from the crowd.

On 4 September 1962, French cartoonist Kamb illustrates General de Gaulle’s trip to the Federal Republic of Germany and deplores the French President’s support of Federal Chancellor Adenauer. De Gaulle, depicted as a German heraldic eagle standing up in a convertible limousine, welcomes his guests to Bonn. Sat on his right, a beaming Konrad Adenauer welcomes the rapprochement between the two countries.

‘Everything’s fine, Monseigneur … Frau Hildegarde und das rest are following on behind …’ On 5 September 1962, French cartoonist Roland Moisan illustrates General de Gaulle’s official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany. During this six-day visit, the French President, cheered on by the crowds, gives several speeches that he has memorised in German. The visit would be remembered as one of the major milestones on the road to reconciliation between France and Germany. On the right, Chancellor Konrad Adenauer escorts General de Gaulle’s troop as he travels across the FRG.

‘Europe’s supporting acrobats’. On 7 September 1962, German cartoonist Wilhelm Hartung illustrates the vital role played by French President Charles de Gaulle and Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer in the European integration process. The two men are depicted as acrobats mutually supporting the rest and forming the pillars of a united ‘Europe’.

‘Our union isn’t exclusive — there’s room for everyone!’ On 12 September 1962, German cartoonist Hanns Erich Köhler paints an ironic picture of Franco-German rapprochement and particularly emphasises the central role that General de Gaulle and Federal Chancellor Adenauer intend to play on the European stage. Sat on the same throne, the two leaders, depicted as monarchs, dominate Europe, while the ‘room’ allocated to the other (small) European countries within this future partnership is laughable. In the background, John Bull (on the left), symbolising the United Kingdom, does not seem to appreciate this new Franco-German axis. The three Scandinavian countries (on the right) observe the scene.

‘… you’ll get over it before I fall for him again!’ On 12 September 1962, French cartoonist Kb2 paints an ironic picture of Germany’s admiration (Germany is depicted as Gretchen wearing a helmet and military boots) for General de Gaulle. The young Marianne, wearing her distinctive Phrygian cap, warns her counterpart as to the likely outcome of this new romance. From 4 to 9 September 1962, President de Gaulle made a triumphant visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, an event that had a profound impact on Franco-German rapprochement. In Ludwigsburg, from the courtyard of the palace, de Gaulle addressed the German youth in a speech that was greeted with a wave of enthusiasm.

‘For the family album. Hop, hop, rider.’ On 22 September 1962, German cartoonist Josef Sauer illustrates the friendship between Chancellor Adenauer and French President de Gaulle. The two grandpas (‘Opa’ — the caption is a play on words on the German nursery rhyme), wearing slippers, are cheerfully bouncing Michel and Marianne up and down on their knees. The French and German symbols have merged, emphasising the rapprochement between the two countries: one of the heraldic eagle’s two heads is a Gallic rooster, while the country’s flags are intertwined.

‘The axis. All of Europe revolves around us.’ On 20 October 1962, German cartoonist Brockmann takes an ironic look at the central role of France and the Federal Republic of Germany as the driving force of European integration, and emphasises the trust and friendship between General de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer.