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Alfred Krupp

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Entrepreneur

The Resume

    (April 26, 1812-July 14, 1887)
    Born in Essen, Germany
    Head of the Krupp steelworks
    Turned the company into a major producer of railway equipment and weapons
    Nicknamed 'the Cannon King'

Why he might be annoying:

    His gargoyle-laden mansion, Villa Hugel, was described as 'perfectly hideous.'
    His attempt to expand the business during the Panic of 1873 almost led to bankruptcy, until the Prussian government arranged a 30 million mark loan.
    He demanded loyalty oaths from his workers and required them to get written permission from a foreman to use the bathroom.
    He said he wished a man would 'come and start a counter-revolution' against Jews, socialists and liberals.
    His great-grandson, Alfried, interpreted these comments as a prophecy fulfilled by Hitler and became an enthusiastic supporter of the Nazis.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He had to leave school and take over the steelworks at age 14 after his father died.
    He provided liberal social services for his workers, including subsidized housing and health and retirement benefits.
    The company grew from employing five people when he took over to 20,000 workers at his death, making it the largest private company in Germany.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 11 Votes: 90.91% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 6 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 10 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 5 Votes: 80.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 14 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 20 Votes: 55.00% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 11 Votes: 45.45% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 11 Votes: 54.55% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 28 Votes: 64.29% Annoying