10 Things to Know About James Mayer de Rothschild

A towering figure that held no crown, nor office nor led armies, yet his handling of wealth brought him influence and contributed in changing the landscape of France in the 19th century. He inspired both admiration and a conspiracy of “space lasers.” Here are 10 things to know about James Mayer de Rothschild.

James Mayer de Rothschild: Railroad and Banking King of France

Kings and Prime Ministers sought his advice and bow to him for loans and investments. Vast lengths of railroads and landscapes transformed by rising factories came as a result of his confidence. James Mayer de Rothschild commanded great respect within the banking world of his time driving forward France’s industrialization. How did he achieve it without holding office nor leading armies?

Yasuda Zenjiro: The Founder of the Fourth Largest Zaibatsu

Yasuda Zenjiro

Founded the Yasuda Zaibatsu, he came from a poor background but rose to prominence in the financial world from his money changing business. He cashed in the development of Japan and made huge fortunes that landed his company as the fourth largest Zaibatsu or conglomerate in country.

Matsukata Masayoshi: A Reformer in a Transformation

Matsukata Masayoshi

He was the man that cemented Japan’s transformation. In an era of aggressive foreign expansion in Asia, Japan decided to pursue a course towards modernization and industrialization under the slogan of Fukoku Kyohei – Rich Nation, Strong Army. But in the late in 1870’s Japan’s transformation faced a tough challenges. The Land of the Rising Sun might just set with an economic crisis, which could not afford. But one man had the guts to solve this crisis – Matsukata Masayoshi.

J.P. Morgan: The Giant of Financial World

J.P. Morgan

Most of the greatest tycoons of the Gilded Age were rags to riches stories. From a poor humble background, to a self-made man, to a great industrialist criticized for his practices, this is the usual story line of great businessmen like Rockefeller and Carnegie. However, it cannot be said the same for John Pierpont Morgan. His story was that of someone born to a rich and affluent family.