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Friedrich Alfred Krupp was heir to his father’s munitions empire. A master of the soft sell, he developed a close and lucrative relationship with the Kaiser. Krupp introduced diesel engines to Europe and began construction of the German U-Boat fleet. Krupp was born in Essen, Germany. His father was Alfred Krupp. In 1887, Friedrich took over the leadership of his father's company. He married Margarethe Krupp (born Freiin von Ende). They had two daughters: Bertha and Barbara (married Tilo Freiherr von Wilmowsky).
After his father died, Krupp built an elaborate pleasure palace on the island of Capri, handed out gold bullet-shaped keys to local boys, and hired violinists to provide musical accompaniment for his extravagant parties.
On 15 November 1902 the Social Democratic magazine Vorwärts claimed in an article that Friedrich Alfred Krupp was homosexual, that he had a number of liaisons with local boys and men and that his fondest attachment was to Adolfo Schiano, an 18-year-old barber and amateur musician. Krupp sued for libel. But before the case went to trial, Krupp became convinced that he would be destroyed, like Oscar WILDE had been just a few years earlier, if he went through with it. A week later, on 22 November 1902, Krupp committed suicide. In a speech at his burial, Emperor Wilhelm II attacked the Social Democratic politicians, insisting that they had lied about Krupp's sexual orientation.
Stern, Keith (2009-09-01). Queers in History: The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Historical Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals (Kindle Locations 7201-7207). Perseus Books Group. Kindle Edition.
Further Readings:
The Arms of Krupp: The Rise and Fall of the Industrial Dynasty That Armed Germany at War by William Manchester Paperback: 992 pages
Publisher: Back Bay Books (March 4, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316529400
ISBN-13: 978-0316529402
Amazon: The Arms of Krupp: The Rise and Fall of the Industrial Dynasty That Armed Germany at War
The Krupp family were the premier German arms manufacturers from the middle of the 19th century until the end of World War II, producing artillery pieces and submarines that set the standard for effectiveness. This book relates the history of this influential company.
