Albert Speer

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Germany invades Poland, September 1, 1939, using 45 German divisions and aerial attack. By September 20, only Warsaw held out, but final surrender came on September 29.

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Albert Speer

Q: What is Albert Speer known for?

Albert Speer served as Adolf Hitler ’s chief architect (1933–45) and minister for armaments and war production (1942–45). Speer’s commissions included plans to rebuild the whole of Berlin (never accomplished), and, as armaments minister, he expanded the use of slave labour, supplied primarily from concentration camps , that maintained production of war material for Germany .

Q: What was Albert Speer’s early career like?

Albert Speer studied at various technical schools before acquiring an architectural license in 1927. After hearing Adolf Hitler speak at a Berlin rally in late 1930, Speer enthusiastically joined the Nazi Party (January 1931). Hitler was impressed by Speer’s efficiency and talent, and, soon after becoming chancellor, he made Speer his personal architect in 1933.

Q: What happened to Albert Speer after World War II?

At the Nürnberg trials , Albert Speer was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity, and he served a 20-year prison sentence. Following his release in 1966, Speer wrote popular books about the Third Reich . Although he claimed to be unaware of the “final solution,” later evidence challenged that assertion.

German architect and Nazi official

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Last Updated: Apr 9, 2024 • Article History

Speer, Albert

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Category: Arts & Culture

Born:: March 19, 1905, Mannheim, Baden, Germany

Died:: September 1, 1981, London, England (aged 76)

Political Affiliation:: Nazi Party

Role In:: World War II

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What is Albert Speer known for?

What was Albert Speer’s early career like?

What happened to Albert Speer after World War II?

Albert Speer (born March 19, 1905, Mannheim, Baden, Germany—died September 1, 1981, London, England) was a German architect who was Adolf Hitler’s chief architect (1933–45) and minister for armaments and war production (1942–45). Speer studied at the technical schools in Karlsruhe, Munich, and Berlin, and acquired an architectural license in 1927. After hearing Hitler speak at a Berlin rally in late 1930, he enthusiastically joined the Nazi Party (January 1931) and so impressed the Führer by his efficiency and talent that, soon after Hitler became chancellor, Speer became his personal architect. He was rewarded with many important commissions, including grandiose ...(100 of 328 words)

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