The gauge theories for the strong and electroweak interaction have become the Standard Model of particle physics. They realize in a consistent way the requirements of quantum theory, special relativity, and symmetry principles. For the first time, we have a consistent theory of the fundamental interac tions that allows for precision calculations for many experiments. The Stan dard Model has, up to now, successfully passed all experimental tests. This success establishes the importance of gauge theories, despite the fact that gravity is not included and that the Standard Model is most likely...