The famous Krupp family of Germany has a long and at times controversial history. The history of the family can be traced to the early 15th Century but the family is more historically well - known as the originators of the first major steel-works in Germany in 1811. (Biography: Krupp) This was to develop and in a relatively short period the company had become the largest in the world and a leading supplier of armaments. (Biography: Krupp) Since the late1800s Krupp was seen as a major manufacturer of weapons as well as being characterized by a "....deadly collaboration between the giant industrial complex and the military in Germany and elsewhere, so characteristic of modern warfare." (Biography: Krupp)
             It should be noted that the history of the family was not always related to armaments. Krupp was recognized in the late 1800s as a major supplier in the world of railroad equipment. Other industrial achievements include that fact that in1862 "...Krupp pioneered the Bessemer process on the Continent and introduced the open-hearth method of steel casting in 1869." (Biography: Krupp)
             The modern history of the Krupp family's stance towards unions and workers can be clearly seen in the period before and after the First World War. In the early 1900s workers in the Krupp Company were comparatively well treated in a paternalistic system that offered many benefits. This approach to the company occurred under the management of Alfred Krupp. Under his guidance the vertical "mixed company" approach was introduced which meant that other mining, power and transportation concerns were added to the company. During this period Alfred Krupp "....introduced several significant welfare services (health insurance, pension fund, housing), which later served as models for Bismarck's social legislation. "(Biography: Krupp) Workers lived in company housing and were also "...mobilised in company unions...&q...