The Bundesbank - the central bank of Germany and the backbone of Europe's strongest economy - has been compared by Roy Jenkins to the Wehrmacht, and called by John Major the centre-piece of a modern-day gold standard. The might of the Deutschmark gives the Bundesbank greater influence over monetary policies across Europe (including Britain) than some elected governments. Focusing on the bank and the people who run it, this study examines its history, and aspects such as behind-the-scenes arguments over European monetary union.