Key events that influenced the leadership style of Angela Merkel include her formative years in East Germany and her scientific background as a quantum chemist. Merkel's upbringing in a communist regime instilled adaptability and pragmatism, shaping her approach to governance. Her decision-making style is characterized by consensus-building and caution, reflective of her background and the German political landscape. Notably, her management of the European debt crisis and the refugee crisis demonstrated her resilience and commitment to stability, defining her legacy as a substantial and influential leader in European politics.