Deutsche Bank: A History of Growth, Crisis, and Restructuring Founded in 1870, Deutsche Bank initially focused on financing German exports, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the nation's financial services. Early expansion included branches in major European and Asian cities, participation in significant projects like the Northern Pacific Railroad, and collaborations with industrial giants such as Krupp and Bayer. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw strategic alliances and acquisitions, solidifying its position as one of Germany's "D-Banks." World War I resulted in the expropriation of some overseas operations, but the bank expanded its presence in the Ottoman Empire and Germany. Post-war, Deutsche Bank played a key role in mergers like Daimler-Benz, reaching its pre-war dominance by 1930. However, its involvement with the Nazi regime, including aryanization policies and participation in expropriations, remains a deeply controversial aspect of its history. The bank acknowledged its role in facilitating the construction of Auschwitz in 1999 and contributed to Holocaust survivor compensation funds. Post-World War II, Allied authorities initially dissolved the bank, but it was reconstituted in 1957. Subsequent decades witnessed international expansion, acquisitions (including Bankers Trust and Morgan Grenfell), and a shift towards investment banking. The late 20th and early 21st centuries were marked by significant growth, but also by crises including the 2008 financial crisis, resulting in job cuts and restructuring efforts. While the bank reported its first annual profit since 2014 in 2020, its history reveals a complex narrative of success, scandal, and ongoing adaptation within the global financial landscape.