Bethmanns and Rothschilds

The House of Bethmann and the House of Rothschild were the two great banking dynasties of Frankfurt am Main. For several decades their affairs were closely intertwined while they carried on a vigorous rivalry. On occasion they would cooperate—as business partners but also, not least thanks to the pro-emancipation outlook of Simon Moritz von Bethmann, with the shared goal of enfranchising the Jews of Frankfurt.

Bethmanns and Rothschilds

The House of Bethmann and the House of Rothschild were the two great banking dynasties of Frankfurt am Main. For several decades their affairs were closely intertwined while they carried on a vigorous rivalry. On occasion they would cooperate—as business partners but also, not least thanks to the pro-emancipation outlook of Simon Moritz von Bethmann, with the shared goal of enfranchising the Jews of Frankfurt.