[2][3] The Thyssen family generated significant wealth in the late 19th century as producers of coal, iron and steel.
[3] The following year, he orchestrated a meeting between Hitler and influential German industrialists, which significantly increased support for the Third Reich among leaders of major companies.
[4] Thyssen's wife Amélie, also a member of the Nazi Party, inherited control of the iron and steel business following her husband's death in 1951.
She used proceeds from the sale of shares in August Thyssen-Hütte AG to create the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, for which she was awarded the second highest Order of Merit in the Federal Republic of Germany.
[7] The award of grants to doctoral graduates and the funding of staff positions in projects is intended to advance scientific research.