The Rothschilds rose to prominence in the 18th century when Amshel Meyer Rothschild transitioned his family’s coin business in Frankfurt into a banking dynasty. Training his five sons, he established branches across Europe, with Nathan in London becoming particularly influential.
Lending to governments proved more profitable than individuals, allowing them to dominate European banking by the mid-1800s. Nathan leveraged funds from Prince William of Hesse-Kassel, multiplying profits 2,500 times in 17 years. The family financed ventures in South Africa, American railroads, and steel, becoming the world’s wealthiest family. Their financial influence shaped European and global economies.

• View the video and its summary at 7. The Rise of the Rothschilds 

and discuss it below.