Ludwig Erhard was a German economist and politician, best known for his role as the Chancellor of West Germany from 1963 to 1966. He is often referred to as the "father of the German economic miracle" due to his implementation of the social market economy, which combined free-market capitalism with social policies to ensure fair competition and social welfare. Erhard played a significant role in the post-World War II recovery of West Germany, promoting policies that encouraged industrial growth and consumer spending. His efforts helped transform the country into one of the world's leading economies, making him a key figure in the history of modern Germany.