THE REIGN OF ROTHSCHILDS 2: Rothschilds Power in an Age of Revolution (1848–1871) - Egon Cesar Conti

The Reign of the House of Rothschild (1830–1871) by Count Egon Caesar Corti (1928) - HQ Full Book.

Part 2, Chapters 6–10: Rothschilds Power in an Age of Revolution (1848–1871).

The Reign of the House of Rothschild 1830–1871 by Count Egon Caesar Corti is a meticulously researched historical account that chronicles the extraordinary influence of the Rothschild family during a transformative period in European history. Translated from German by Brian and Beatrix Lunn and published in 1928 by Cosmopolitan Book Corporation, the book delves into the financial, political, and social maneuvers of the Rothschild banking dynasty from the death of its founder, Mayer Amschel Rothschild, through the conclusion of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. Part 2 of the book, encompassing Chapters 6 through 10, covers the pivotal years from the 1848 revolutions to the early 1870s, highlighting the Rothschilds’ strategic navigation through political upheavals, wars, and economic developments. Drawing on primary sources such as letters and documents, Corti provides a detailed and objective portrayal of the family’s role in shaping 19th-century Europe, while the epilogue briefly extends the narrative into the 20th century. 

Overview
The second part of Corti’s work focuses on the Rothschilds’ activities during a period marked by revolutionary fervor, shifting political alliances, and significant economic advancements. The years 1830 to 1871 were defined by the 1848 revolutions, the rise of influential statesmen like Louis Napoleon, Cavour, and Bismarck, and major conflicts such as the Crimean War, the Italian War of 1859, and the Franco-Prussian War. The Rothschilds, with their banking houses in London, Paris, Vienna, Frankfurt, and Naples, leveraged their financial acumen and extensive network to maintain their position as Europe’s preeminent bankers. Corti emphasizes their ability to adapt to crises, influence political outcomes through strategic loans, and contribute to infrastructure development, particularly railways. The chapters explore the interplay between the Rothschilds’ financial power and the political chessboard of Europe, revealing their efforts to balance profit with diplomacy while navigating their Jewish identity in a continent often hostile to their heritage.  

Chapter 6: The Rothschilds Before and During the Revolution of 1848
This chapter examines the Rothschilds’ activities in the lead-up to and during the widespread revolutions of 1848, a series of uprisings across Europe that challenged monarchies and sought liberal reforms. Corti details how the Rothschilds, operating from their five major banking houses, anticipated and weathered these political storms. The revolutions posed significant risks to their financial empire, as political instability threatened state finances and loan repayments. The Rothschilds’ strategy involved maintaining close relationships with key political figures and diversifying their investments to mitigate risks. For instance, they provided loans to governments to stabilize regimes while simultaneously hedging their bets by engaging with revolutionary factions where prudent. Corti highlights their role in financing Austria’s efforts to suppress rebellions, particularly through the Vienna branch led by Salomon Rothschild, and their support for French monarchist interests under Louis Philippe. The chapter underscores the family’s ability to maintain financial stability amid chaos, using their wealth to influence outcomes without overtly taking sides. Their Jewish heritage is also explored, as it shaped their cautious approach in a period of heightened social tensions. This chapter illustrates the Rothschilds’ foresight and adaptability, cementing their reputation as indispensable financiers during turbulent times.  

Chapter 7: Fighting for Position with Louis Napoleon, Cavour, and Bismarck
Chapter 7 delves into the Rothschilds’ interactions with three towering figures of 19th-century Europe: Louis Napoleon (later Napoleon III of France), Camillo Cavour (the architect of Italian unification), and Otto von Bismarck (the mastermind behind German unification). Corti describes how the Rothschilds navigated the ambitions of these leaders to protect and expand their financial influence. In France, the Paris branch, led by James Rothschild, engaged with Louis Napoleon, providing loans to support his regime while carefully managing their relationship to avoid over-dependence on his volatile government. In Italy, the Rothschilds worked with Cavour, financing infrastructure projects and loans that facilitated Piedmont’s leadership in the unification process, though they faced competition from emerging Italian banks. In Prussia, their interactions with Bismarck were more complex, as his nationalist agenda often clashed with the Rothschilds’ internationalist outlook. Corti uses correspondence and financial records to sh