Rothschild family facts for kids

A painting of Charlotte de Rothschild from 1836

The Rothschild family is a very rich Jewish family. They started in Frankfurt, Germany. Their story became famous with Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1744–1812). He began his banking business in the 1760s. Mayer Amschel Rothschild was a "court factor." This meant he managed money for German rulers.

Unlike many before him, Rothschild passed his wealth to his children. His five sons started banks in big cities. These cities included London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Naples. This made the Rothschilds an important international banking family. They were even given noble titles in Europe. The family's name comes from their old house in Frankfurt. It was called "Rothschild," meaning "red shield."

In the 1800s, the Rothschild family had the biggest private fortune in the world. Their wealth became less in the 1900s. It was shared among many family members. Today, the family is involved in many different areas. These include money services, buildings, mining, and farming. They also own vineyards and support charities. Many beautiful buildings across Europe belong to them.

The Rothschild family has sometimes been the subject of untrue stories. These stories are often linked to prejudice against Jewish people.

The Rothschild Family's Beginnings

The Rothschild family's journey began in the 1500s. They lived in Frankfurt, Germany. The family's name comes from their house. It was called "Rothschild," which means "red shield" in German.

Mayer Amschel Rothschild's Vision

Mayer Amschel Rothschild was born in 1744. He started his banking business in the 1760s. He was very smart with money. He worked for powerful rulers.

Mayer Rothschild had a big idea. He wanted his family's business to last. He sent his five sons to different cities. Each son started a bank there. This made the Rothschilds a global banking power.

A Family of Influence and Wealth

The Rothschild family grew very powerful. They helped governments and businesses. They lent money for big projects. This included building railways.

The Richest Family in the 1800s

During the 19th century, the Rothschilds were incredibly wealthy. They had more money than any other family. Their banks were key to Europe's economy. They helped fund wars and peace.

What the Rothschilds Do Today

Over time, the family's wealth spread out. Today, Rothschild family members work in many fields. They are still in finance. They also own real estate and mines. Some are involved in energy and farming. They even make wine. Many family members also support charities.

Images for kids

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  A Rothschild house, Waddesdon Manor in Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire, England, donated to the National Trust by the family in 1957

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  House of the Rothschild family, Judengasse, Frankfurt

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  A house formerly belonging to the Viennese branch of the family (Schillersdorf Palace)

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  Schloss Hinterleiten, one of the many palaces built by the Austrian Rothschild dynasty. Donated to charity by the family in 1905

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  Beatrice de Rothschild's villa on the Côte d'Azur, France

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  Palace of Baron Albert von Rothschild, (photo 1884)

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  Château de Montvillargenne. A Rothschild family house in Picardy, France

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  A landmark Rothschild Palace in Frankfurt, Germany, Villa Günthersburg (photographed 1855)

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  One of the smaller city houses, Vienna. A collection of far larger Viennese palaces known as Palais Rothschild were torn down during the Second World War.

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  Mentmore Towers, one of the many Rothschild mansions built in Buckinghamshire

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  The family financed the creation of the country Rhodesia, and it became the site of the first international expansion of one of their mining enterprises—the Rio Tinto mining company.

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  The Frankfurt terminus of the Taunus railway, financed by the Rothschilds. Opened in 1840, it was one of Germany's first railways.

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  Château de Ferrières, the largest château of the 19th century, was built in 1854. It is set on a 30 km² (12 sq mi) estate outside Paris. It was charitably donated by the family to the University of Paris in 1975.

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  A former Rothschild family house, at the site of Château de la Muette, Paris. Built as a family residence by the secondary branch of the French Rothschild family, today it houses the headquarters of the OECD.

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  Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild, built in 1872 as a Paris townhouse for Salomon James de Rothschild.

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  Grüneburgschlößchen, Frankfurt, 1845, one of the Rothschilds' many German garden-mansions. This particular estate was destroyed in an Allied bombing raid, 1944.

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  Villa Pignatelli, Naples, with views onto Mount Vesuvius

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  The family has fully restored Spencer House, St. James's Park, London

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  The Large Mansion at Gunnersbury Park, London

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  Château Lafite Rothschild, Bordeaux. Alongside Château Mouton Rothschild, it is perhaps the most prestigious of the many Rothschild wine estates

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  Baron David René de Rothschild, current French chairman of N M Rothschild & Sons and formerly of De Beers

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  Bertha-Clara von Rothschild (Princess of Wagram) (Ellis William Roberts, 1890)

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  Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, M.P. (1839–1898)

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  Sybil Cholmondeley, Marchioness of Cholmondeley (1894–1989), painted by John Singer Sargent

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  Halton House, a Rothschild family mansion in Buckinghamshire, England

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  Lionel de Rothschild, whose colt Sir Bevys won the 1879 Epsom Derby

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  The Astronomer, by Johannes Vermeer given to the Louvre Museum by the Rothschild family in 1982

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  Palace Nathaniel Rothschild, Vienna

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  Ascott House, donated to charity by the family in 1947

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  Exbury House, a Rothschild estate in England

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  Hôtel Lambert, Paris

See also

In Spanish: Familia Rothschild para niños