The Reign of the House of Rothschild (1830–1871) by Count Egon Caesar Corti.

Chapter 7: Fighting for Position with Louis Napoleon, Cavour, and Bismarck

Count Egon Caesar Corti’s The Reign of the House of Rothschild (1830–1871), published in 1928, chronicles the Rothschild banking dynasty’s pivotal role in shaping European finance and politics during a transformative era. Chapter 7, titled “Fighting for Position with Louis Napoleon, Cavour, and Bismarck,” explores the Rothschilds’ strategic maneuvers in the 1850s and 1860s as they navigated the shifting political landscape dominated by three key figures: Louis Napoleon (Napoleon III of France), Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour (the architect of Italian unification), and Otto von Bismarck (the mastermind behind German unification). This description summarizes the chapter’s key themes, events, and insights, highlighting the Rothschilds’ financial diplomacy, their adaptation to new power dynamics, and their efforts to maintain influence amid rising nationalism and political realignments.

The Post-1848 European Landscape
Chapter 7 opens by contextualizing the Rothschilds’ position in the aftermath of the 1848 revolutions, which had reshaped Europe’s political and economic order. The Rothschilds, with their banking houses in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Naples, emerged from the revolutionary turmoil relatively unscathed, thanks to their diversified investments and global network. However, the rise of new political leaders and nationalist movements posed fresh challenges to their dominance. Corti emphasizes that the Rothschilds’ success in this period depended on their ability to align their financial interests with the ambitions of emerging powers, particularly Louis Napoleon in France, Cavour in Italy, and Bismarck in Prussia. The chapter highlights the Rothschilds’ pragmatic approach to power. Rather than clinging to old alliances with declining monarchies, they sought to engage with the new regimes and leaders reshaping Europe. This adaptability allowed them to remain indispensable to governments in need of capital, even as political ideologies shifted toward nationalism and modernization. 

Louis Napoleon and the Rothschilds in France
A significant portion of the chapter focuses on the Rothschilds’ relationship with Louis Napoleon, who became President of the French Second Republic in 1848 and later Emperor Napoleon III in 1852. James de Rothschild, head of the Paris branch, played a central role in navigating this relationship. Corti details how James initially approached Louis Napoleon with caution, given the latter’s populist rhetoric and the instability of the Second Republic. However, as Louis Napoleon consolidated power, James recognized the need to secure the Rothschilds’ position in France, a key market for their banking operations. The chapter describes James’s strategic financial support for Napoleon III’s regime, particularly through loans to stabilize the French economy and fund ambitious infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of railways and urban redevelopment in Paris. These loans were not without risk, as Napoleon III’s policies often favored state-controlled financial institutions, such as the Crédit Mobilier, which competed directly with the Rothschilds. Corti portrays James as a shrewd negotiator who leveraged his international connections to maintain influence, even when faced with government-backed rivals. For instance, the Rothschilds’ ability to secure foreign capital for French projects gave them leverage over Napoleon III, ensuring their continued prominence in French finance. Corti also explores the tensions between James and Napoleon III, particularly over the emperor’s foreign policy adventures, such as the Crimean War (1853–1856). The Rothschilds provided loans to finance France’s involvement, but James was wary of the war’s economic costs and its potential to destabilize European markets. The chapter underscores the Rothschilds’ delicate balancing act: supporting Napoleon III to preserve their influence while mitigating the risks of his unpredictable policies. 

Cavour and the Italian Unification Movement
The chapter shifts focus to the Rothschilds’ involvement in Italy, where Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, was orchestrating the unification of the Italian states under the Kingdom of Sardinia. Corti details the Rothschilds’ financial ties to the Kingdom of Naples, where Anselm von Rothschild managed the family’s operations. The Naples branch faced challenges as Cavour’s unification efforts threatened the Bourbon monarchy, a long-standing Rothschild client. The chapter highlights Anselm’s efforts to maintain the family’s interests in southern Italy while cautiously engaging with Cavour’s government in Turin. Corti describes how the Rothschilds provided loans to the Kingdom of Sardinia, which Cavour used to fund military campaigns against Austria and the Italian states opposed to unification. These loans were strategically calculated, as the Rothschilds sought to hedge their bets by maintaining ties with both the declining Bourbon regime and the rising Piedmontese government. The chapter notes the Rothschilds’ involvement in financing the Italian railway network, which was critical to Cavour’s vision of a modernized, unified Italy. By investing in infrastructure, the Rothschilds positioned themselves as key players in Italy’s economic development, regardless of the political outcome. The chapter also explores the risks of the Rothschilds’ Italian ventures. The unification process was fraught with uncertainty, and their investments in Naples became precarious as the Bourbon regime collapsed in 1860. Corti credits the Rothschilds’ foresight in diversifying their Italian portfolio, which allowed them to mitigate losses and maintain influence in the newly unified Italy under Victor Emmanuel II. 

Bismarck and the Rise of Prussia
The third major figure in the chapter is Otto von Bismarck, whose efforts to unify Germany under Prussian leadership posed both opportunities and challenges for the Rothschilds. Corti details the family’s interactions with Bismarck, primarily through the Frankfurt branch, led by Amschel Mayer Rothschild, and the Vienna branch, under Salomon von Rothschild. The Rothschilds had long-standing ties to the Austrian Empire, a rival to Prussia, which complicated their relationship with Bismarck’s ambitions. The chapter describes how Bismarck sought to reduce Austria’s influence in German affairs, culminating in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. The Rothschilds, with significant investments in Austrian bonds and railways, faced potential losses as Austria’s position weakened. However, Corti highlights their strategic adaptability, as they began to engage with Prussia to secure their financial interests. For example, the Rothschilds provided loans to Prussia to finance its military campaigns, a move that reflected their willingness to align with rising powers. Corti emphasizes Bismarck’s pragmatic approach to finance, noting that he recognized the Rothschilds’ indispensability as Europe’s leading bankers. The chapter details negotiations between Bismarck and the Rothschilds, particularly through their Frankfurt and London branches, to secure funding for Prussia’s expansion. These negotiations were not without tension, as Bismarck’s nationalist policies and distrust of private bankers clashed with the Rothschilds’ preference for supranational influence. Nevertheless, the family’s ability to provide rapid, large-scale financing ensured their continued relevance in German affairs. 

The Rothschilds’ Broader Strategy
Throughout Chapter 7, Corti underscores the Rothschilds’ ability to navigate complex political dynamics by leveraging their global network and financial expertise. The chapter highlights their use of rapid communication systems, including telegraphs and private couriers, to stay ahead of market trends and political developments. This allowed them to coordinate strategies across their branches, ensuring a unified response to the challenges posed by Louis Napoleon, Cavour, and Bismarck. The Rothschilds’ investments in railways and other infrastructure projects are a recurring theme, reflecting their shift toward industrial finance. Corti notes that these investments not only generated significant returns but also positioned the family as key players in Europe’s modernization. However, the chapter also acknowledges the risks of their high-stakes financial diplomacy, including public criticism and anti-Semitic sentiments that targeted their wealth and influence. 

Corti’s Perspective and Key Themes
Corti portrays the Rothschilds as masters of financial statecraft, capable of adapting to the rise of new political leaders and nationalist movements. The chapter emphasizes their pragmatism, as they shifted allegiances to align with emerging powers while preserving ties with traditional clients. Corti admires their resilience but also notes the ethical ambiguities of their actions, such as profiting from war financing and navigating morally complex political regimes. The chapter also explores the broader implications of the Rothschilds’ activities. Their loans and investments helped shape the modern European economy, but their dominance fueled resentment among rivals and the public. Corti balances this critique with recognition of their contributions to economic stability and industrialization, presenting a nuanced view of their legacy.

Conclusion
Chapter 7 of The Reign of the House of Rothschild provides a compelling account of the family’s efforts to maintain their financial empire amid the rise of Louis Napoleon, Cavour, and Bismarck. By detailing their strategic engagements with these transformative figures, Corti illustrates the Rothschilds’ ability to adapt to