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The Arms of Krupp

1587-1968

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The Arms of Krupp

By: William Manchester
Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
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About this listen

In this narrative of extraordinary richness, depth, and authority, America's preeminent biographer/historian explored the German national character as no other writer has done. The Arms of Krupp brings to life Europe's wealthiest, most powerful family, a 400-year German dynasty that developed the world's most technologically advanced weapons, from cannons to submarines to antiaircraft guns; provided arms to generations of German leaders, including the Kaiser and Hitler; operated private concentration camps during the Nazi era; survived conviction at Nuremberg; and wielded enormous influence on the course of world events. William Manchester's galvanizing account of the rise and fall of the Krupp dynasty is history as it should be written - alive with all its terrifying power.

©1968 William Manchester (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Europe Germany Military War Holocaust Prisoners of War Imperialism Submarine

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A heavywieght book not for the faint hearted. A very detailed history of the Krupp dynasty providing insights into the workings and machinations of a very closely knit family with more than a little machiavellian tendencies throughout their long history. To do the book justice it needs to be read more than once and the serious reader or listener would be advised to take notes in order to remind them of the key players and events. It is worth noting that the events up to 1968 are now over 50 years in the past, some obviously far older than this but there can be parallels drawn with events in the modern era of the European Union in the late 20th. and early 21st centuries. Whilst no longer in single person ownership and somewhat smaller than at the height of its power, Krupp is still a large and powerful industrial organisation. The book does require concentration and at times one could almost give up but the author then reveals another point of interest to keep the reader anticipating yet more to come, indeed one of the more interesting points is only revealed at the demise of the organisation in 1967 when it is revealed that a yearly payment of a significant amount to the family was decreed in German law signed by Adolf Hitler. Whether this payment continues to this day to the heirs of the estate is uncertain. Other points of interest include the degree of direct involvement in the design and manufacture of the range and complexity of the armaments produced and the apparent strength of the Krupp dynasty over successive governments in Germany and overseas. The methods involved in their manufacturing operations and the use of labour, particularly that of enforced low-pay and enforced or slave labour is odious to say the least and shows the rest of manufacturing industry and the world that "Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely" and why no large organisation should ever be under the control of one person but needs to be subject to a collective control by a strong and effective management structure. The naration by and large was very good but the listener needs to be aware that on occasions the short interludes in German language followed by an English translation can be disconcerting.

Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.

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An interesting yet terrible story of unfettered want leading to insatiable expansion. A tale of a sickening family. Selfish people wrapped up in the flag and name of patriotism until their machinations backfired. The overweening self-pity of these middle class wannabe aristocrats when it all begins to crumble should be a cautionary tale for all who presume personal infallibility and familial eternity. Truly a warning from history.

Evil is as evil does

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