The House of Rothschild 1934

1780: Taxman comes to Frankfurt

In 1780 Frankfurt, Mayer Rothschild and his wife hide the family wealth as the taxman demands 20,000 gulden. A bribe of 5,000 is accepted, while a courier carrying 10,000 guldens is intercepted and seized. Mayer admonishes his sons that honest living will not protect them and that money is power to shield their people.

Mayer's deathbed instruction

On his deathbed, Mayer Rothschild bids his five sons to set up banking houses in five European cities: Amschel in Frankfurt, Salomon in Vienna, Nathan in London, Carl in Naples, and James in Paris. He explains that a cross‑border network will allow them to move money without dangerous gold transfers. The family must think strategically about power and protection for their people.

Five banks are established

Thirty-two years later, the Rothschild brothers have established banking houses in their assigned cities and created a continental financial network. They can borrow from each other to move capital quickly during war or peace, avoiding risky gold shipments. The network binds their fortunes together across Europe.

Napoleonic Wars sweep Europe

France overruns much of Europe as the Napoleonic Wars rage on. The Rothschilds’ network becomes increasingly valuable to governments and merchants seeking liquidity and stability. The family’s influence grows as they navigate a volatile continental market.

Metternich requests funds

Austrian Prince Metternich asks Salomon Rothschild to raise 15 million florins to help defeat Napoleon. The demand underscores the Rothschilds' growing role in high-stakes European finance. It also tests the limits of what a private family bank can mobilize for public war needs.

Talleyrand seeks a massive loan

In Paris, Talleyrand requests 50 million francs from the Rothschilds to bolster France during the war. The scale of the request demonstrates the cross-border reach of their financial power. It sets up competition among European bankers that will shape postwar finance.

Nathan refuses British loan, aids Wellington instead

Nathan Rothschild refuses to lend five million pounds to the British government to hold off the enemy, citing prudent risk. Instead, he offers the Duke of Wellington twice that amount to help ensure a decisive victory. The gesture signals a shift in influence toward Rothschild-led finance.

Wellington visits Nathan; prejudice revealed

After the war, Wellington seeks Nathan’s support and visits his London home. Nathan’s bid to be the winning underwriter is initially dismissed, in part due to anti-Jewish prejudice revealed by Count Ledrantz. The encounter foreshadows the harsher social realities the Rothschilds face.

Nathan outmaneuvers rivals and gains the loan

Nathan skillfully outmaneuvers his rivals, driving them to the brink of ruin as the loan’s terms shift in his favor. The Barings, Ledrantz, Metternich, and Talleyrand find themselves outmatched and capitulate, surrendering the entire loan to Rothschilds. Nathan’s triumph consolidates unprecedented European financial power for his family.

Riots and pressure from Ledrantz

Anti-Jewish riots erupt across German territories, instigated by Ledrantz. Nathan returns to Frankfurt under intense pressure from his people and appears to submit to Ledrantz’s domination, trying to preserve his family and their influence. The climate of fear tests his resolve and strategy.

Napoleon escapes; brothers push for restoration

As Napoleon escapes from exile, Nathan’s brothers urge support for the restored French emperor. Nathan resists, choosing to stand with the Allies and his own principles. His stance reinforces the Rothschilds’ control over European finance in turbulent times.

Rights treaty for Jews; Fitzroy reunion

With Ledrantz and others in need of capital, Nathan uses his leverage to extract a treaty granting Jews rights, freedoms, and dignity long denied. He also reassures Fitzroy that he can resume contact with Julie, signaling personal as well as financial victory.