Zuss Oppenheimer A famous financier. Country: Germany

1. Oppenheimer the Financier
2. Manipulating the Duke
3. Exploiting the State
4. Arrest and Trial
5. Public Humiliation and Execution
6. Legacy and Representations

Oppenheimer the Financier

Joseph Süß Oppenheimer was a prominent financier who rose to prominence through his connections with the extravagant Duke Karl-Alexander of Württemberg.

Manipulating the Duke

Initially a merchant, Oppenheimer gained the Duke's trust and became an influential figure in Württemberg's financial affairs. Although he held no official position, he placed his associates in various administrative posts.

Exploiting the State

Oppenheimer's actions included issuing debased coins worth approximately 11 million, establishing monopolies on salt, wine, and tobacco, and selling privileges for financial gain. His heavy taxation burdened the population, leading to widespread resentment.

Arrest and Trial

Upon Duke Karl-Alexander's death in 1737, Oppenheimer was arrested and accused of high treason, improper relationships with court ladies, and exorbitant usury. After being tortured, he confessed to all seven deadly sins.

Public Humiliation and Execution

Oppenheimer was paraded through the streets of Stuttgart in a humiliating "secret financial advisor" uniform, presented in an iron cage for public ridicule. He was subsequently hanged on February 4, 1738.

Legacy and Representations

Oppenheimer's fate has been captured in various artistic works, including Wilhelm Hauff's novel (1827), Lion Feuchtwanger's novel (1925), and two films (British in 1934 and German in 1940), the latter being considered one of the most blatant examples of anti-Semitic art produced in Nazi Germany.