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Just outside Essen, and right alongside the railway tracks (appropriately) lies a stately manor house called The Villa Hügel. It was built in the early 1870s as the residence for a famous German steel family, the Krupps and as representation for the Krupp Group.
It is now open to the public and is used for cultural events, such as piano recitals and plays. The dramas that are now contained within its walls reflect the many dramas that the Villa has experienced over the years of history as can be seen in the museum displays that chart the troubled life of both the building and the family it once housed.
The Krupp Family History
The historical documentation of the Krupp family can be traced right back to Arndt Krupp in 1587, who became a member of the merchants’ guild in Essen. Arndt, a trader, settled in the town shortly before the outbreak of the Black Death. Through strategic property acquisitions from families affected by the epidemic, he amassed considerable wealth, becoming one of the city’s affluent individuals at a time when prices were low due to people fleeing the plague.
He was certainly not a man averse to risk. He also acquired several other resources including iron forges and coal mines, but it wasn’t until the time of Friedrich Krupp during the Napoleonic wars that things really started happening and a dynasty was formed.
The Krupp Gussstahlfabrik
In 1811, Friedrich established the Krupp Gussstahlfabrik (Cast Steel Works). Recognizing the crucial need for a substantial facility with a reliable power source for success, he constructed a mill and foundry along the Ruhr area.
However, the river turned out to be an unreliable source of power. Despite facing challenges with the small, waterwheel-powered facility, Friedrich invested a considerable amount of time and resources. His dedication to the project led to the production of smelted steel in 1816.
Alfred Krupp
His son, Alfried Krupp, was born in Essen in 1812. His father’s death compelled him to leave school at fourteen, taking on the responsibility of the steel works alongside his mother, Therese Krupp.
The financial situation was challenging, as his father had spent a substantial fortune attempting to cast steel in large ingots. To sustain the works, the family lived frugally. Alfred, working alongside laborers during the day, conducted his father’s experiments at night while promoting Krupp products across Europe.
He went on to oversee the company becoming the major arms supplier of the Prussian state and then the German Empire. Interestingly, Alfried adopted the English spelling of his name, ‘Alfred’, after visiting England and enjoying the country so much. And due to how he had conquered his rivals in industry, he was sometimes even called “Alfred the Great.”
The young Alfred worked very hard, both alongside his workers, and in experimenting with new processes. The early years were financially modest until 1841 when Alfred’s brother Hermann invented the spoon-roller. Alfred patented the invention, providing funds to expand the factory, increase steel production, and cast steel blocks.
In 1847, Krupp produced the first cast steel cannon. Exhibiting at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, he showcased a 6-pounder entirely made from cast steel and a flawless 4,300-pound steel ingot.
Technological Innovations
The success continued with innovations like no-weld railway tires, becoming a primary revenue source, especially in the United States. Alfred expanded the factory and realized his dream of constructing a breech-loading cast steel cannon. Despite initial skepticism, his artillery, especially breech-loading howitzers, gained prominence. Prussia, recognizing the significance, purchased 312 steel cannons from Krupp, making the company the main arms manufacturer for the Prussian military.
Krupp’s advanced technology played a crucial role in Prussia’s victories in the German Wars of Unification against Austria and France. The Franco-Prussian war showcased “Kruppstahl” against bronze cannon, influencing the first international arms race.
The Krupp Business
Despite facing financial challenges in the Panic of 1873, Alfred expanded further, becoming the largest and richest company in Europe, nearly facing bankruptcy. A bailout in the form of a 30 million Mark loan from a consortium of banks, arranged by the Prussian State Bank, rescued Krupp.
In 1878 and 1879, Krupp organized firing demonstrations known as Völkerschiessen, showcasing cannon capabilities for international buyers. By the time of his death in 1887, Krupp had 75,000 employees, including 20,200 in Essen. Throughout his lifetime, Krupp manufactured a total of 24,576 guns, with 10,666 for the German government and 13,910 for export.
The Krupp Steel’s Impact
Most historians consider that Krupp steel was the pivotal advantage that the Prussians had that led to the defeats of France and Austria in the wars of German unification, and caused perhaps the first international arms race. And while Alfred “the Great” demanded a kind of loyalty from his staff similar to that which a King would demand, he also had very liberal views (for his time) as far as staff benefits and protections. He created free housing and education services, as well as insurance, social services and widow-benefits. His staff became fiercely loyal and Essen almost became its own Kingdom under his rule.
However, his wife, Bertha, refused to live for any extended amount of time at the magnificent Villa Hügel. She spent most of the time abroad with their son, Friedrich, due to the pollution from the works in nearby Essen. However, now, the air is now fresh and clear. And a visit to the Greek restaurant just under the Essen-Hügel railway station overlooking the See is a welcome way to end one’s visit.
The Batterie Pommern
Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft constructed German warships and submarines in Kiel. In addition, Krupp undertook the modification of an existing Langer Max gun manufactured in Koekelare during the war. This modified gun, known as Batterie Pommern, held the distinction of being the world’s largest gun in 1917. Remarkably, it had the capability to launch shells weighing approximately 750 kg from Koekelare to Dunkirk. The spire of the Chrysler building completed in New York in 1929 is also faced with panels of the new stainless steel.
Controversies
During the era of the Third Reich, the Krupp actively supported the Nazi regime and engaged in the utilization of slave labor, a resource exploited by the Nazi Party to facilitate the execution of the Holocaust. Krupp derived economic advantages from the partnership.
Forced Laborers
The company employed nearly 100,000 slave laborers who endured harsh living conditions, and tragically, many succumbed to overwork. Notably, Krupp operated a workshop in close proximity to the Auschwitz concentration camp.
Alfried Krupp faced charges as a criminal against humanity for his role in employing prisoners of war, foreign civilians, and prisoners from concentration camps in dehumanizing conditions related to war-related work. He received a twelve-year prison sentence but served only three, and as part of a pardon, all of Krupp’s holdings were reinstated.
He was indicted as a major war criminal at the Nuremberg Trials but never tried, due to his advanced dementia; yet remains the only German accused of being a war criminal after both world wars. Subsequently, the company regained its status as one of the wealthiest in Europe. However, this prosperity was not sustained indefinitely.
In 1967, the company experienced significant financial setbacks due to an economic recession. Ultimately, Krupp merged with Thyssen AG to establish the industrial conglomerate ThyssenKrupp AG.
Krupp GmbH and the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation
The demise of Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach in 1967 marked the end of an era and his role as a sole proprietor of the company Fried Krupp AG. Capitalizing on his son Arndt’s decision to relinquish his inheritance, Alfried bequeathed his assets to a charitable foundation established by him.
On January 1, 1968, the “Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation” was officially inaugurated. The Krupp company was integrated into the entity “Fried. Krupp GmbH,” with all its shares being held by the foundation. In line with its statutes, the foundation is entrusted with the responsibility of utilizing the funds it receives to support “directly charitable purposes.” Berthold Beitz served as the Chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees until his passing in 2013, after which Ursula Gather assumed the role.
Thyssen Krupp Stahl AG
Confronted with an ongoing decline in the German steelmaking sector, Thyssen and its competitor, Krupp AG, decided to save their unprofitable businesses and executed a merger of their steel operations in 1997, establishing a new joint venture known as Thyssen Krupp Stahl AG. This collaboration positioned them as the third-largest steelmaker globally.
Subsequently, in 1999, Thyssen and Krupp consolidated all remaining business endeavors to form ThyssenKrupp AG, a diversified metals and mining company with interests extending into various sectors, including the automotive industry, elevator design and production, and engineering services.
Professing to be one of the world’s foremost steel producers, Thyssen Krupp Stahl AG held the tenth position globally in terms of revenue in 2015. The company is structured into 670 subsidiaries worldwide, with significant ownership held by the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation and Cevian Capital.
Thyssen Krupp Stahl AG has an extensive product portfolio ranging from machinery and industrial services to high-speed trains, elevators, and shipbuilding. Its subsidiary, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, is engaged in the manufacture of frigates, corvettes, and submarines for both the German and international navies.
Expansion into American Markets
In May 2007, ThyssenKrupp AG committed €3.1 billion (later increased to $4.6 billion in 2010) to construct carbon steel and stainless steel facilities in Calvert, Alabama, part of a global expansion into North American steel markets. The projects, complemented by a major steel-making facility in Brazil, aimed to optimize infrastructure investments by co-locating both facilities on the same site.
The Alabama State Port Authority invested over $100 million to build a transloading slab terminal, essential for inbound raw material slabs due to navigational constraints. However, the global steel industry peaked in 2007, and economic challenges led ThyssenKrupp to sell its stainless steel division in 2012 and eventually divest from Steel Americas in 2014, completing the exit in 2017.
Paying Compensation for Forced Labor
In the precursor companies of ThyssenKrupp, numerous men and women were compelled into forced labor during World War II. However, a comprehensive resolution of the compensation matter was not immediately achieved after the war’s conclusion, and payments remained rare.
Fried. Krupp became the first active German company to voluntarily agree to a payment of DM10 million to the Jewish Claims Conference in 1959. This compensation was directed towards former Jewish concentration camp prisoners who had been subjected to forced labor. The issue of compensation gained substantial public attention only in the mid-1990s.
Collaborating with the state and as one of the 16 founding members of the “Foundation Initiative of German Industry,” Fried. Krupp AG Hoesch-Krupp played a role in the establishment of the Federal Foundation “Remembrance, Responsibility and Future.” Until 2001, ThyssenKrupp AG contributed approximately DM152.3 million to the compensation fund.
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The Villa Hügel
Comprising 269 rooms and 8,100 square meters of living and usable space, enveloped by a 28-hectare park, the Villa Hügel transcends the mere designation of an imposing entrepreneur’s residence; it stands as a symbol of the Age of Industrialization in Germany. Functioning as both a family residence and a venue for hosting emperors, kings, global business leaders, politicians, heads of state, scientists, and artists, the villa encapsulates a rich tapestry of history.
The Villa is quite a sight to behold. One walks up from the Essen-Hügel railway station, constructed in 1890 so that guests could visit the Villa at greater ease; and with its view across Baldeneysee (and remember that see = ‘lake’, not ‘sea’).
There is a beautiful little two story workman’s hut where you now purchase your entry ticket and complimentary map. Walking up the steep incline toward the property, one is confronted by the retaining wall of the Villa which is more like a castle bulwark; and then one enters the gardens, meticulously up-kept, and pass through several follies and cute constructions until, finally, one arrives at the well patrolled doors. Huge trucks still rumble back and forth to pick up or deposit heavy goods—one way then the other—maintaining a kind of industrial vibe despite the current repurposing of the site for tourism.
The Main House
The architectural concept for the main building was conceived by Alfred Krupp. According to his preferences, the official function rooms on the ground floor of Villa Hügel include the former reception salons, dining room, and library, all of which are accessible to visitors today.
During the initial construction phase, the ‘Lower Hall’ featured slender iron columns, emphasizing its primarily functional purpose. It wasn’t until a comprehensive renovation took place between 1913 and 1916 that the interior of Villa Hügel assumed its present appearance, adorned with historical furniture, family portraits, and valuable tapestries.
Gustav Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach
The connecting tract between the Main and Guest Houses, initially utilized as a single-storey conservatory by the first two generations – Alfred Krupp and his son Friedrich Alfred Krupp – underwent a complete redesign by their granddaughter Bertha and her husband Gustav Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach. The outcome was the Garden Hall we encounter today, designed to showcase the tapestry series ‘Scenes from the Lives of the Apostles.’ The interior of the Garden Hall was carefully crafted to complement the tapestries, featuring decor in the Louis XIV style, reflecting the Krupp family’s particular affinity for Flemish tapestries.
On the first floor, the ‘Upper Hall’ serves as an impressive living room and ballroom. Beginning in 1913, the hall underwent a redesign to accommodate the tapestry series ‘The Seven Liberal Arts.’ Concurrently, a fireplace adorned with a bronze relief depicting a scene from ‘The Forge of Vulcan’ was installed.
The Upper Hall is crowned by a glass roof. Adjacent to the ballroom, one can explore the imposing study already utilized by Alfred Krupp, complete with a massive double desk dating back to the time of the renovation.
The “Little House”
The Krupp historical exhibition is situated in the adjacent structure known as the Little House. Since 1905, the Krupp archive has found its home within the villa. Additionally, the hall serves as the recurring concert venue for the Folkwang Kammerorchester Essen, a chamber orchestra. In 1984, Berthold Beitz set up the Ruhr Cultural Foundation, which organizes art and cultural exhibitions in the villa.
The Guest House
The Guest House has undergone restoration in accordance with historic preservation regulations, driven by the primary objective of safeguarding the remaining historical structure and reinstating the villa’s initial character. Subsequently, the arrangement and configuration of the rooms now align with the original building, and meticulous efforts have been made to reconstruct the floors, ceilings, door frames, and windows to closely replicate the authentic features. Today, the Guest House serves as the venue for the Krupp Historical Exhibition, offering visitors insights into the history of the Krupp family and the company.
The Hügel Park
The Hügel Park, often referred to as a “green treasure trove,” has undergone multiple transformations over almost 150 years. Originally designed as a retreat for the Krupp family, it later served as a venue for social functions, sports, and recreation. The park’s landscape, shaped by historical trends and preferences, has evolved into an English country garden style over the last fifty years.
Alfred Krupp, involved in the park’s design, aimed to create a forest of mature trees surrounding his estate. He employed a unique technique of replanting large, older trees, including beeches, oaks, lindens, plane trees, firs, and spruces.
The park saw significant changes under Friedrich Alfred and Margarethe Krupp, with the addition of rare and exotic plants. The trend continued with Bertha and Gustav Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach, leading to the incorporation of numerous non-native plants between 1890 and 1914.
Art also found its place in the park, with sculptures added by the Krupp family until 1914. Some sculptures, like Albert Hinrich Hußmann’s bronze grazing horse, still adorn the park.
The Hügel Park, home to over 7,000 trees and 120 species of trees and shrubs, features majestic old trees and rare shrubs. Notable specimens include a blue Atlas cedar, a Persian ironwood tree, a weeping beech, a Japanese cedar, and a North American sequoia. The rhododendron glen, especially stunning during April and May blooms, adds a unique charm to the park.
The Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation, as the park’s owner, has undertaken efforts to revitalize its original structures, aiming to preserve and showcase the remaining objects and greenery. Guided park tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore this ever-changing and delightful treasure trove.
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FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Krupp family and steel companies.
What is the largest mansion in Germany?
The largest mansion in Germany is the Ludwigsburg Palace, located in Ludwigsburg near Stuttgart. This Baroque-style palace is known for its impressive architecture and expansive gardens.
What does Krupp mean in German?
“Krupp” in German generally refers to the name of a prominent German industrial family, whose businesses played a significant role in the country’s industrialization. The Krupp steelworks in Essen was a significant historical industrial complex in the Ruhr area of North Rhine-Westphalia, known as the “weapons forge of the German Reich,”since it played a crucial role in Germany’s industrial and military history.
Who was the Krupp family during WW2?
The Krupp family during the Second World War was led by Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach. The Krupp company, under his leadership, played a crucial role in the German war machine, producing weapons and armaments for the Nazi regime. After the war, Alfried Krupp faced war crimes charges but later resumed control of the company.
What did Krupp invent?
The Krupp family and their company are best known for their contributions to the steel and arms industry. They were pioneers in steel production and played a significant role in the development of artillery and other weapons. The company manufactured a wide range of products, including cannons, tanks, and naval guns.
Is Krups the same as Krupp?
While the names sound similar, Krups and Krupp are not the same. Krupp refers to the historical German industrial family and its associated company involved in steel and armaments. On the other hand, Krups is a separate and modern company known for producing kitchen appliances, such as coffee makers and blenders.
Summing Up: The Villa Hügel & Krupp Stahl
Germany is renowned for its engineering and manufacturing and has been for quite some time, and the Krupp family was a part of both establishing and maintaining that tradition in the modern era. The Villa Hügel stands as a testament to family history and industrial legacy, weaving tales of innovation, triumphs, and controversies.
From Alfred Krupp’s steel advancements shaping wars and the development of the steel industry to the Villa’s transformation into a cultural hub, the journey is captivating. The Krupp Historical Exhibition, meticulous park design, and preservation efforts by the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation invite visitors to delve into history.
Yet, the story carries shadows, from forced labor controversies to financial crises of the cast steel factory. Today, the Villa and Hügel Park offer a blend of historical reflection and cultural vibrancy, allowing visitors to witness the enduring narrative of a pioneering family and industrial empire. If you’d like to learn more about German culture and history, come join us at SmarterGerman!