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steelmaking armaments firm, founded 1811 by Friedrich Krupp (1787-1826)
and developed by his son Alfred Krupp by pioneering the Bessemer steelmaking
process. The company developed the long-distance artillery used in World
War I, and supported Hitler's regime in preparation for World War II, after
which the head of the firm, Alfred Krupp (1907-1967), was imprisoned. Under Alfred Krupp the company became the largest armaments firm in the world, and the expansion continued under his son Friedrich Alfred (1854-1902) and his granddaughter Bertha (1886-1957). Krupp flourished as two world wars demanded iron and steel. The company developed the long-range artillery used in World War I, and supported Hitler's regime in preparation for World War II. During Wolrd War II it thrived on the benefits of the forced labour of prisoners of war and concentration camp inmates and exploiting the industrial resources of occupied territories, transporting entire plants, machinery and workers, to Germany. With Germany's defeat 1945, Alfred Krupp was convicted of war crimes, sentenced to 12 years in prison, and ordered to sell 75% of his holdings. When no buyers could be found, Krupp was given a generous amnesty 1951 and was soon back in business. The family interest ended shortly after his death when his heir, Arndt, renounced all interest in the business and Krupp became a public corporation. |