Munich Re quickly became the world market leader shortly after its founding in 1880. Johannes Bähr and Christopher Kopper now present the first history of the company, covering its beginnings up to the 1980s. To this day, Munich Re is one of the two leading reinsurers worldwide. However, little is known about this company in the general public. This book illustrates how the approach to risks has changed and how insurers responded to major disasters and technological upheavals. It also provides a history of globalization and highlights the setbacks and obstacles encountered in this process. The role of the company during the Third Reich is also examined in detail.