The Secret Wealthy Family Who Started The Civil War: The Belmonts

This secret wealthy family played a masterful political game when the American Civil War erupted, rebranding themselves as a Union crew while maintaining Southern business interests through their Democratic Vigilant Association.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:08 Chapter 1: The Big Belmonts
5:26 Chapter 2: The Gregarious German
9:00 Chapter 3: Dining In Democracy
12:24 Chapter 4: Entering High Society
16:06 Chapter 5: The Next Generation

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When 24-year-old German Jewish immigrant August Belmont Sr. arrived in New York in 1837 with the Rothschild family's backing, he began one of history's most spectacular rises to power.

Within months, his August Belmont and Company had Wall Street dancing to its tune, as this ambitious newcomer transformed himself from outsider to puppet master of the Democratic Party.

By 1860, Belmont had achieved the unthinkable - becoming Chairman of the Democratic National Committee when the party aligned more with pro-slavery Confederates than anti-slavery Republicans.

His European connections proved crucial in discouraging foreign powers from backing the Confederacy, though Confederate bonds still found their way to London and Paris.

By his death in 1890, Belmont had amassed $10 million (about $280 million today) and established America's most prestigious horse race, the Belmont Stakes.

His son, August Belmont Jr., transformed his father's strategic genius into an empire of iron and horses, financing New York City's first subway line and the Cape Cod Canal.

The family legacy extended through Alva Belmont who, after trading her Vanderbilt marriage for a Belmont one, transformed her Newport mansion into a fortress of feminist revolution.

Behind the scenes, the Belmonts wielded extraordinary influence through calculated friendships, political fundraising, and strategic marriages.

Their New York mansion at 109 Fifth Avenue featured a private art gallery doubling as one of the city's few private ballrooms, while their Newport estate "By-the-Sea" helped establish the town's reputation as America's premier summer colony.

Through brilliant calculation and ruthless ambition, the Belmonts shaped American destiny from the shadows, playing both sides of every conflict while emerging stronger from each crisis.

Their story exemplifies how immigrant ambition could transform not just a family, but a nation's trajectory through finance, politics, urban development, and social reform.

What other influential families do you think have shaped American history from behind the scenes?

[oldmoneyluxury]

COMMENT: Were you familiar with the Belmont family’s history - and what is your opinion on their legacy?

[stevespeyrer]

"Rich Man's War...Poor Man's Blood"

[danmcn]

I have read dozens of books about the American Civil War, and I knew nothing about this. Thank you for telling me. I guess it is true after all: Follow the Money.

[Tracey-The_Momma_Bear]

I grew up around horse racing, but never knew the story behind it. I also studied the civil war and had never heard of this involvement. I love history and found this very interesting.

[fishingforyams]

I thought i knew about the civil war but i never learned about this in college. Thanks for presenting this to us.

[stevenpiehl]

Well, they sure let this part escape the history books on high school in the 60s I doubt it’s even mentioned today thank you

[daveweiss]

Geee.... this seems to be a recurring theme...

[willquigg]

Finally, a video that tells the truth about these people!

[davidcanatella]

Wars are for the rich and against the poor

[libertyman]

I am from the north east and never heard this part of history. Thank You, More please.

[chauvettes]

First time I've ever heard of this family. Thanks for the education!

[christophercoleman]

If you read Civil War sources, you often read references to "Belmont"-although generally not in positive terms.

[jasonjones]

just as i expected. every single time. never doubted it for a moment

[Azula-ntuc]

The Bank of London had a lot of power in America. Especially after Great Britian gain a central bank and the finances were no longer owned by the government.

[randallwittman]

To be rich one must take advantage of situations .
To be RICH on must create these situations !

[boardwalkbw]

Crazy these same families still getting brothers to fight and murder each other

[kentkearney]

Robert Maxwell/ Gizzylane-Epstains template mastered their own too. 😮

[jordancunningham]

I was born in Athens, Georgia. I grew up there. I lived on several acres of land in the rural part of town. There is a road not too far from Old Lexington Rd., where I lived. The name of the road I am referring to is Belmont Rd. After watching this, I cannot help but wonder if the road was actually named after August Belmont.

[rolandjow]

MY DAD TOLD ME THAT, TOO BE RICH, YOU HAVE TO BE CROOKED! I THINK THAT IS ABOUT 80% ARE CROOKED

[an-tm]

Bishop Gaither gives great history on rothschilds including Belmont & why it's called the Belmont Stakes.