Fritz Krupp was a prominent German industrialist born on April 17, 1870, in Essen, Germany. He was the head of the Krupp company, which was known for its production of steel and armaments. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly, becoming one of the largest industrial enterprises in Europe during the early 20th century. Krupp played a crucial role in the development of military technology, particularly during World War I. His company produced weapons and ammunition that were vital to the German war effort. After the war, the Treaty of Versailles imposed restrictions on Germany's military production, impacting Krupp's business operations and leading to significant changes in the company’s focus.