The Wealthy Families Who Ruled The Gilded Age (Documentary)

This in-depth documentary features the epic histories of wealthy families from The Gilded Age - an era where colossal fortunes were forged in the fiery furnaces of industry.

These modern dynasties emerged with unfathomable wealth, wielding power that shaped nations.

In their opulent mansions, amidst grandiose splendor, they lived a life a dazzling display of wealth and influence, serving to pen an epic chapter in the chronicles of American history.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:17 The Astors: America’s First Multimillionaires
20:09 How The Vanderbilts Went From "Old Money" To "No Money"
38:42 How The Astor Family Created “High Society”
54:54 How The Rockefellers Went From “New Money” To “Old Money”
1:14:42 Inside The Lost Rockefeller Mansions
1:31:10 How The Carnegies Went From “Old Money” To No Money
1:49:32 The Morgans: America’s First Banking Dynasty
2:12:36 How The Duponts Went From “New Money” To “Old Money”

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Explore the fascinating world of America's Gilded Age in this comprehensive documentary, "The Wealthy Families Who Ruled The Gilded Age." This film delves into the lives, legacies, and secrets of the families whose wealth and influence shaped a pivotal era in American history.

Embark on a journey beginning with the Astors, known as America’s first multimillionaires. Their story is a riveting tale of ambition and ingenuity, setting the stage for an era where wealth was a measure of success. Learn how the Astor family, through shrewd business tactics and social prowess, laid the foundations of what would become the elite “High Society” of New York.

The narrative then shifts to the Vanderbilt family, whose name became synonymous with American aristocracy. Witness the rise and fall of this iconic family, understanding how their vast fortune, once representative of "Old Money," dwindled over generations, presenting a cautionary tale of wealth and its fleeting nature.

The Rockefellers represent another cornerstone of this era. Their journey from being considered "New Money" to establishing themselves as a part of the "Old Money" elite is a story of strategic philanthropy, business acumen, and societal influence. The documentary also offers a rare glimpse into the lost Rockefeller mansions, grand structures that once stood as monuments to their immense wealth and taste.

Another focal point is the Carnegie family, known for their significant contributions to American industry and culture. Their story is a striking narrative of how a family went from immense wealth to a more modest stature, illustrating the transient nature of fortune and the lasting impact of philanthropy.

The Morgans, America's first banking dynasty, are also a central feature of this film. Discover how their financial acumen and influence in banking circles not only shaped their own legacy but also the economic landscape of the United States.

Lastly, the documentary examines the Duponts, a family that transitioned from "New Money" to "Old Money." Their tale is one of innovation, resilience, and an ability to adapt and thrive through changing times, leaving an indelible mark on American history.

"The Wealthy Families Who Ruled The Gilded Age" is not just a documentary about wealth and power; it's a nuanced exploration of the social dynamics, economic forces, and historical events that these families both influenced and were shaped by. It presents an in-depth look at how their fortunes were made, maintained, and in some cases, lost, offering viewers a unique lens through which to view American history.

[OldMoneyDocumentaries]

For you, which Gilded Age family has the most interesting history?

[lifebyjo]

This is sooo good. I’m learning a lot of gems about wealth history that goes hand in hand with “The Psychology of Money”. Thank you so much for this!

[Abouton]

Thanks for putting this together and out here for us to absorb, complete and factual documentary with a great narrator.
Saves the YouTube day, good job folks 📈🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[ferijones]

I watch this 2x a week
..I love that era ❤

[stlbusker]

I like the way that you use actual movie clips to get your point across. Very well documented.

[HORSEYANIME]

Pls do more videos on the gilded age mansions owned by wealthy gilded age families

[ceva]

Thank you, so much information, thoroughly enjoyed it

[mikki]

As a young woman I had the pleasure of meeting "old Mrs.Du Pont. I was in a florist shop in Saratoga Springs NY when a limo pulled up and a uniformed driver opened the door for a shabbily dressed elderly lady. I was looking at some flowers in the case and she commented that roses were common and directed me to some lilies. She had a twinkle in her eye and we chatted for a bit while her driver loaded up her car.

[moonshiner]

I love this! Has been my bedtime documentary for a few days now

[KellyfromMemphis]

As an American, I ridiculously feel some pride with the rags to riches tales of early America…even though MY grandfather died from black lung from working in the coal mines since he was 12… 😂

[christophers]

The old money riches and affluent families and Vanderbilts and Astor's family dystanies made a difference in the world

[sammyjr]

I like this narrator and his modern word play at times

[ThatsJustPeechy]

Using Rockefeller and morality in the same sentence is laughable.

[susanevolker]

Why the ‘background’ music throughout? Unnecessary and

[michaelhoran]

The Carnegies really benefitted the U.S. by establishing public libraries throughout the U.S, which are still there and used in 2023.

[earlperson]

MY MOTHER HAD
WORKED AS A SERVANT FOR THE ASTORS ....AFTER
MY MOTHER LEFT
THE OR-FAN-AGE
SHE GREW-UP IN...
SHE WORKED FOR
THEM IN 1942 WHEN SHE WAS
18 YR'S OLD....
((I TEXTED THIS
BEFORE. ))
AND THEY HAD
A RESIDENTS HERE IN NEWARK
LADY
ASTOR ENJOYED
THE SPEAK-EASYS.
THE ONES WITH
BLACK ENTERTAINMENT.
NIGHT TIME
CLUBS....
..

[janepope]

My father was farmed out as a worker when was 8-9 he worked at farms and was raised by farmers wives, not his own mother and father.When people say they grew up hard O don't think they can really imagine hardship

[lmm]

The gilded age perfectly shows how quickly money turns low people into power hungry blue bloods.

[ShushaSofia]

The descendants of these families are hardly poor. They want the masses to think they are.

[kayallen]

One had to employ fortune preservation strategies, while continuing to earn money and plan the future. Succession-planning in fact begins in the family's nurseries.