Hermann Krupp

He would eventually leave his German roots to establish the Austrian branch of his prominent family, operating as an entrepreneur within the borders of the Austria–Hungary empire until his death in 1879.

Early Training and Family Ties

Before his shift into the Austrian industrial sphere, Krupp attended the Burggymnasium Essen. His formative professional experience included an apprenticeship in Solingen, complemented by work at his father’s shop during his spare time. He shared a close sibling bond with his brother Alfred Krupp, even as their individual personalities diverged throughout their careers.

The Berndorf Operation

Alfred Krupp founded the Berndorfer Metallwarenfabrik in Berndorf, where Hermann eventually served as mechanical director. During the civil unrest of 1848, the factory remained stable, largely due to the loyal relationship Hermann maintained with his workforce. Following administrative shifts within the family firm, Hermann relinquished his inheritance in Essen as Alfred assumed control of those assets.

Personal Life and Final Years

In 1847, Krupp married Marie Baum, the daughter of Daniel Baum. The couple raised six children in a home that respected their differing religious backgrounds: their sons were raised as Protestants and their daughters as Catholics. Following a business trip to the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Krupp suffered declining health, leading him to transfer the firm to his son, Arthur. He died in 1879 at age 65 in Berndorf, Lower Austria.

Fast facts

• Born: 1814, Essen
• Died: 1879, Berndorf
• Citizenship: Austria–Hungary
• Occupation: Entrepreneur
• Spouse: Marie Baum
• Number of children: Six

Questions readers ask

What was Hermann Krupp's primary professional role?

He served as the mechanical director of the Berndorfer Metallwarenfabrik.

How did Hermann Krupp divide religious upbringing for his children?

He and his wife Marie maintained a split household where sons were Protestant and daughters were Catholic.