This skillfully written and carefully documented study might be subtitled "Power and Its Corruption." For in their dedication to German military supremacy the Krupps moved from traditional industrialism to acquisition, monopoly, finance and politics. At its peak, the Krupp network was ubiquitous in Germany.
The Krupps not only armed Germany but helped finance three major wars. They misjudged Hitler, believing they could control him.
For his part in Hitler's rise and Germany's aggressions, Alfred Krupp was tried at Nuremburg. Depending on the point of view, he was appropriately or shamefully acquitted.