1915day.year
A story in New York World newspaper reveals that the Imperial German government had purchased excess phenol from Thomas Edison that could be used to make explosives for the war effort and diverted it to Bayer for aspirin production.
In 1915, an exposé revealed that Germany had diverted phenol purchased from Thomas Edison from munitions to Bayer for aspirin production, stirring wartime controversy.
On August 15, 1915, the New York World published an exposé alleging that the Imperial German government purchased surplus phenol from inventor Thomas Edison under the pretext of munitions needs.
Phenol was a critical compound for both explosives and pharmaceuticals.
Instead of using it to bolster its war effort, Germany reportedly redirected large quantities to Bayer for aspirin manufacture.
The revelation sparked international outcry and accusations of profiteering amid global conflict.
Critics argued that Bayer and the German government were colluding to prioritize profits over wartime necessity.
The story highlighted the complex relationship between industry, innovation, and national strategy during World War I.
1915
diverted it