Albert Speer Autograph

Profession:
(1905-1981) German architect who was, for a part of World War II, Minister of Armaments and War Production for the Third Reich.

Year of Birth: 1905

Albert Speer was a prominent German architect and politician who is best known for his work as Adolf Hitler's chief architect and later as Minister of Armaments and War Production during World War II. Born on March 19, 1905, in Mannheim, Germany, Speer grew up in a well-off family and studied architecture at the Technical University of Munich.

After completing his studies, Speer joined the Nazi Party in 1931 and quickly rose through the ranks due to his close relationship with Hitler. In 1936, Hitler appointed Speer as his chief architect, and he went on to design many of the grandiose buildings and constructions associated with the Nazi regime, including the Reich Chancellery and the Zeppelinfeld stadium.

During World War II, Speer's responsibilities expanded, and he became Minister of Armaments and War Production in 1942. In this role, he was tasked with overseeing the German war economy and ensuring the production of weapons and supplies for the military.

After the war, Speer was charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity at the Nuremberg Trials. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the Nazi regime, although he claimed to have been unaware of the extent of the atrocities committed by the regime.

Speer spent his time in prison reflecting on his actions and writing about his experiences. He was released in 1966 and went on to publish several books, including his memoir "Inside the Third Reich," which offered insights into the inner workings of Hitler's regime.

Albert Speer died on September 1, 1981, in London, England, leaving behind a complex legacy as one of the most prominent figures of the Nazi era.