Gustav Krupp, a German industrialist and patriarch of the Krupp dynasty, played a central role in shaping the course of European history through his leadership of one of the continent's largest and most influential arms manufacturers. His legacy, marked by both innovation and controversy, reflects the complex intersection of industry, politics, and power in the tumultuous era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
"I could only speak in the smallest, most intimate circles about the real reasons which made me undertake the changeover of the plants for certain lines of production for I had to expect that many people would not understand me."
"Through years of secret work, scientific and basic ground work was laid, in order to be ready again to work the German Armed Forces at the appointed hour, without loss of time or experience."
"Unanimously we will confess and pledge ourselves to stand behind the Fuehrer and his movement today and forever and thereby to be of service to the idea of eternal Germany."
"To have united the purposes of an entire Nation, is the great historical achievement of the man in whose strong hands our President has placed the fate of our people."
"We are all proud of having thus contributed to the heretofore magnificent successes of our army."