Behind the Bastards Part Two: The Man Who Invented The Military-Industrial Complex
Feb 18, 2021
Join writer and comedian Alison Stevenson as she delves into the life of Alfred Krupp, the man behind the military-industrial complex. They explore the chaotic landscape of 19th-century European politics, including technological shifts during the Wars of German Unification. The discussion shifts to the legacy of the Franco-Prussian War and the Siege of Paris, underscoring the evolution of military tactics. With humor woven throughout, Stevenson also tackles the troubling implications of Krupp's authoritarian legacy and its eerie echoes in today’s world.
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Technological Superiority
- Prussia and Austria, armed with Krupp's advanced weaponry, swiftly defeated Denmark in 1864.
- This victory, driven by superior technology, marked a turning point in European warfare.
Krupp's Audacity
- Despite Prussia's impending war with Austria, Krupp refused to stop supplying weapons to both sides.
- He even highlighted Prussia's inadequate defenses, urging them to buy more of his weapons.
Krupp's Peculiar Mansion
- Krupp designed his own mansion with specific features: numerous rooms to avoid 'toxic air', stone construction for fire safety, and stables beneath his study.
- The placement of the stables ensured his house was constantly filled with the smell of horse manure.