Father of World Economic Forum founder Klaus Martin Schwab, Eugen Wilhelm Schwab was born in Roggwil, Switzerland, on April 27, 1899. His life and work, especially his Nazi-era industrial activities, have been investigated. This article describes his life, family heritage, and historical significance.
Early Life and Career
Eugen Wilhelm Schwab was born to Marie and Jakob Wilhelm Gottfried Schwab. The political instability of his childhood shaped his career.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1899 | Born in Roggwil, Bern, Switzerland |
| 1926 | Married Frida Wurster |
| 1936-1982 | Managing Director of Escher Wyss & Cie |
| 1982 | Passed away in Ravensburg, Germany |
Family Background
Eugen’s family was from Switzerland and Germany, with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. His marriage to Erika Epprecht solidified his post-war German regional identity.
| Family Member | Relation | Birth Year | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jakob Wilhelm Gottfried | Father | 1871 | Swiss farmer and mechanic |
| Marie Schwab | Mother | – | Details on her life are less documented |
| Erika Epprecht | Wife | 1908 | Mother of Klaus Schwab |
| Klaus Martin Schwab | Son | 1938 | Founder of the World Economic Forum |
| Nicole Schwab | Granddaughter | – | Notable businesswoman |
| Olivier M. Schwab | Grandson | – | Business executive |
Professional Involvement
Eugen Wilhelm Schwab managed a division of Swiss engineering business Escher Wyss & Cie, which made turbines and military equipment. His World War II role has been disputed in legacy talks.
| Year(s) | Position | Company | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1936-1982 | Managing Director | Escher Wyss & Cie | Engineering |
| WWII | Supplier of munitions | Escher Wyss & Cie | Military equipment |
Controversies and Historical Context
Professional affiliations have dominated discussions of Eugen Schwab’s Nazi associations. His participation with the Nazi leadership is unclear, however he worked for a munitions firm.
| Claim/Allegation | Status | Evidence/Counter-evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Member of Nazi Party | Unverified | No substantial evidence |
| Close to Hitler | Disputed | No confirmed connections |
| Supporter of War Efforts | Documented | Supplied munitions during WWII |
Legacy and Family Influence
Klaus Schwab, Eugen Wilhelm’s son, has played major roles in international economic forums. Klaus has built a name for himself despite his father’s earlier scrutiny.
| Family Member | Contributions | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Klaus Martin Schwab | Founder of the World Economic Forum | Active in global economic dialogues |
| Nicole Schwab | Businesswoman | Engaged in social entrepreneurship |
| Olivier M. Schwab | Business executive | Involved in various corporate roles |
Final Years
Eugen Wilhelm Schwab witnessed major European and global events until 1982. His family has been shaped by his turbulent times, especially in their public and private lives.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1982 | Death in Ravensburg, Germany |
FAQ
Eugen Wilhelm Schwab worked in what?
Industrial engineer Eugen Wilhelm Schwab managed Escher Wyss & Cie, specializing in engineering and manufacturing.
Children of Eugen Wilhelm Schwab?
Klaus Martin Schwab, who created the World Economic Forum, and a little documented daughter were Eugen’s children.
What scandals surround Eugen Wilhelm Schwab?
Eugen’s participation in munitions supply during World War II has generated suspicions about his Nazi sympathies.
How did family affect Klaus Schwab’s career?
Klaus’s international business knowledge from Eugen’s career helped him build a successful career.
Had Eugen Wilhelm Schwab political ties?
He worked for a Nazi-affiliated corporation, but there is no indication that he was a Nazi Party member or leader.
