Behind the Bastards Part Two: The Man Who Invented The Military-Industrial Complex
10 snips
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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
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.
The Siege of Metz
- The Franco-Prussian War of 1870, largely decided by Krupp's superior steel cannons, resulted in a massive French defeat at the Siege of Metz.
- This marked a shift towards modern warfare, with staggering casualties and the birth of the Second Reich.