From 1818, the five brothers, followed by their descendants, specialized in supplying financing especially to governments. They also took an active part in the industrial revolution. In 1875, the London branch financed the British government's stake in the Suez Canal for GBP 4m. The Rothschilds invested in mines (Rio Tinto, De Beers), in building railways which was then a booming industry, in the California gold rush and in oil exploration by financing Royal Dutch. |