Einar Gerhardsen

Einar Gerhardsen was born in 1897 in Asker, a rural municipality near Oslo. He started working as a road worker at the age of 15, and became involved in the labour movement. He joined the Labour Party in 1919, and rose to become its leader in 1945. He was a key figure in the resistance against the Nazi occupation of Norway during World War II, and was arrested and sent to a concentration camp in 1942. He survived and returned to Norway after the liberation in 1945. He became the Prime Minister of Norway for the first time in 1945, and led the country through the post-war reconstruction and the development of the welfare state. He was known for his pragmatic and moderate approach, and his ability to cooperate with other parties and social groups. He also played an active role in the Nordic cooperation and the international peace movement. He served as the Prime Minister for three periods, 1945-1951, 1955-1963, and 1963-1965, totaling 16 years in office. He retired from politics in 1969, and died in 1987 at the age of 90. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected politicians in Norwegian history, and is often called the Father of the Nation.