Who were Émile and Isaac Pereire, and what was their significance in 19th-century France?

Émile Pereire (born December 3, 1800) and Isaac Pereire (born November 25, 1806) were influential figures in the development of France's finance and infrastructure during the Second French Empire. They challenged the dominance of the Rothschild family in continental European finance, known as haute finance, and their efforts, though ultimately collapsing in the late 1860s, contributed to a more developed and vibrant economic landscape.

What was the ethnic and religious background of the Pereire brothers?

The Pereire brothers were Sephardi Jews of Portuguese origin. This distinguished them from their main financial competitors, the Rothschilds, who were also Jewish but of German origin.

Who was the grandfather of the Pereire brothers, and what were his significant contributions?

The grandfather of the Pereire brothers was Jacob Rodrigues Pereira. He was one of the inventors of sign language for the deaf and served as an interpreter for King Louis XV after establishing himself in France in 1741.

What was the family lineage of the Pereire brothers, tracing back to their grandparents?

The Pereire brothers' grandfather was Jacob Rodrigues Pereira, who married Miriam Lopes Dias. Their son Isaac (1770-1806) married Rebecca Henriette Lopes Fonseca, and together they had three sons, including Émile and Isaac.

What philosophical movement did the Pereire brothers follow in their early careers?

In their early careers, Émile and Isaac Pereire became followers of Saint-Simonism, a socialist political and social movement of the 19th century. They maintained their commitment to these beliefs even after breaking with Barthélemy Prosper Enfantin in the early 1830s.

What major financial institution did the Pereire brothers found in 1852, and what was its role?

The Pereire brothers founded the Crédit Mobilier in 1852. This bank became the backbone of the Pereire group and was instrumental in financing many of their large-scale projects.

What was the Compagnie du chemin de fer de Paris à Saint-Germain, and what happened to it?

The Compagnie du chemin de fer de Paris à Saint-Germain was a railway company created in 1835 by the Pereire brothers. It was later merged in 1855 into the larger Compagnie des chemins de fer de l'Ouest, one of France's main railway companies.

What role did the Pereire brothers play in the development of the Compagnie des chemins de fer du Midi?

The Pereire brothers created the Compagnie des chemins de fer du Midi in 1852. This company became one of the major French railway companies until its nationalization into SNCF in 1938.

What was the Château Palmer, and what was the Pereire family's connection to it?

The Château Palmer is a winery located in the Margaux AOC region near Bordeaux. The Pereire brothers purchased it in 1853 and kept it within the family until its sale in 1938.

What was the purpose of the Compagnie générale des omnibus founded by the Pereires?

The Compagnie générale des omnibus was created in 1854 by the Pereire brothers to operate Paris's public transport system. This company eventually merged into the RATP Group.

What concession did the Compagnie parisienne de gaz hold, and when did its operations conclude?

The Compagnie parisienne de gaz held the concession for Paris's gas lighting. It was created in 1855 and liquidated in 1905 when its concession expired.

What was the original name of the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, and what is its modern successor?

The Compagnie Générale Transatlantique was initially created in 1855 as the Compagnie Générale Maritime. It is one of the predecessor entities of the modern shipping company CMA CGM.

What was the function of the Louvre Saint-Honoré development, and what is its legacy?

The Louvre Saint-Honoré development, created in 1855, included the Grand Hôtel du Louvre and the Magasins du Louvre retail mall. This project is considered the root of the Groupe du Louvre.

What insurance companies did the Pereires control starting in 1859?

Starting in 1859, the Pereires controlled the fire and accident company La Confiance and the house insurance company La Paternelle. These companies are among the predecessor entities of the modern insurance group Axa.

What were the Entrepôts des magasins généraux de Paris, and when were they established?

The Entrepôts des magasins généraux de Paris, established in 1860, operated major warehousing facilities in and around Paris. These operations are now part of Icade.

What Spanish insurance company did the Pereires create in 1864, and what did it merge into?

In 1864, the Pereires created the Spanish insurance company El Fénix Español. This company merged in 1879 to form La Unión y el Fénix, which is now part of Allianz.

What was the Comptoir national d'escompte de Paris, and what is its successor?

The Comptoir national d'escompte de Paris was created in 1848 and is one of the main predecessor entities of the modern banking group BNP Paribas. The Pereires were involved in its creation and development, though they did not control it.

When was the Crédit Foncier de France established, and what is its current affiliation?

The Crédit Foncier de France was established in 1852. It is now part of the Groupe BPCE. The Pereires sponsored its creation.

What happened to the Darmstädter Bank, which the Pereires helped create, in 1931?

The Darmstädter Bank, which the Pereires helped create in 1853-54, was forcibly merged into Dresdner Bank in 1931.

When were the Imperial Royal Austrian State Railways created, and what became of them?

The Imperial Royal Austrian State Railways were created in 1854, with the Pereires' sponsorship. They were dismantled into national companies in 1918.

What Spanish bank, created in 1855-56, eventually became part of Banco Santander?

The Sociedad de Crédito Mobiliario Español bank, created in Madrid in 1855-56, was reformed in 1902 as the Banco Español de Crédito and is now part of Banco Santander. The Pereires were involved in its creation.

When was the Banque Internationale à Luxembourg established, and what was the Pereires' role?

The Banque Internationale à Luxembourg was established in 1856, with the Pereires' sponsorship.

What Russian railway company did the Pereires help create in 1856?

The Pereires helped create the Grande société des chemins de fer russes railway company in Russia in 1856.

When was the Compañía de los Caminos de Hierro del Norte de España created, and what happened to it?

The Compañía de los Caminos de Hierro del Norte de España railway company in Spain was created in 1858 and nationalized in 1941. The Pereires were involved in its creation.

What was the purpose of the Chantier Scott in Saint-Nazaire, and what is its legacy?

The Chantier Scott in Saint-Nazaire was created in 1862 to build ships for the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique. It is one of the predecessor entities of the Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

What happened to the Credito Mobiliare in Turin in 1894?

The Credito Mobiliare in Turin, taken over by the Pereires in 1862 on the model of the Crédit Mobilier, was liquidated in 1894 during the crisis context of the formation of the Bank of Italy.

When was the Imperial Ottoman Bank reformed, and what did it merge into in 2001?

The Imperial Ottoman Bank was reformed in 1863, with Pereire sponsorship. It eventually merged in 2001 into Garanti Bank.

When was the Crédit Foncier d'Autriche established?

The Crédit Foncier d'Autriche was established in 1864, with Pereire sponsorship.

Which European banks were modeled after the success of the Crédit Mobilier?

The success of the Crédit Mobilier served as a model for the creation of the Berliner Handels-Gesellschaft, the Allgemeine Deutsche Credit-Anstalt, and the Stockholms Enskilda Bank.

In what other industrial sector did the Pereires sponsor developments?

The Pereires also sponsored coal mining developments in Lorraine and Northern France.

What political offices did Émile and Isaac Pereire hold during the Second French Empire?

Both Émile and Isaac Pereire served as deputies (members of Parliament) during the Second French Empire, representing different departments. Émile represented Gironde from 1863 to 1869, while Isaac represented Pyrénées-Orientales from 1863 to 1869 and Aude in 1869-1870.

What political role did Eugène Pereire, Isaac's son, hold?

Eugène Pereire, Isaac's elder son, also served as a deputy, representing the Tarn department during the same period as his father and uncle.

In which newspapers did Émile Pereire write in the 1820s and 1830s?

In the 1820s, Émile Pereire wrote regularly for Le Globe, and from 1830 onwards, he contributed to Le National.

What newspaper did Isaac Pereire acquire in 1871, and how did he influence it?

In November 1871, Isaac Pereire acquired the conservative newspaper La Liberté from Émile de Girardin. He then heavily influenced its editorial line throughout the later 1870s.

What financial challenges did the Pereire group face in the mid-1860s?

In the mid-1860s, the Pereire brothers' financial alliances began to weaken. Their attempt to challenge the issue monopoly of the Banque de France by restructuring the Bank of Savoy caused resentment from their former associate Adolphe d'Eichthal.

What major event triggered a severe crisis for the Pereire group in 1866-1867?

The Pereire group underwent a severe crisis in 1866-1867, largely triggered by the financial burden of their extensive developments in Marseille.

What were the consequences for the Pereires following the crisis of 1867?

Following the crisis of 1867, the Pereires had to face numerous lawsuits and were compelled to sell their art collections in 1872, although they retained some of their wealth and properties.

According to Persigny's memoirs, what was the significance of the Crédit Mobilier to the Second Empire's policy?

According to Persigny, the Crédit Mobilier was a crucial instrument that freed the Second Empire from the financial tutelage of established powers. He believed that without the Crédit Mobilier's support, the Empire's policy could not have been as bold and unconstrained.

Where did the Pereires purchase a vast estate in 1852, and what did they build there?

In 1852, the Pereires bought a large estate in Gretz-Armainvilliers. They commissioned their favorite architect, Alfred Armand, to build a palatial country house there, the Château d'Armainvilliers, in the early 1860s.

What happened to the Château d'Armainvilliers in 1944 and 1950?

The Château d'Armainvilliers, built by the Pereires, was bombed by mistake by the US Air Force in 1944 and subsequently demolished in 1950.

What property on Place Vendôme did the Pereires purchase in 1854, and what did it become later?

In 1854, the Pereires purchased the hôtel particulier on Place Vendôme to serve as the headquarters for the Crédit Mobilier. This building was later transformed into the Hôtel Ritz Paris.

Where was the Pereires' urban mansion, the Hotel Pereire, located, and what is its current function?

The Hotel Pereire was located at 35-37 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. After extensive renovations, it was purchased by the British government in 1947 and now serves as the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Paris.

When was the Pereire Villa in Arcachon built, and when was it demolished?

The Pereire Villa in Arcachon, part of their real estate development there, was built between 1863 and 1854 and was demolished in 1959.

What iconic urban landscapes did the Pereires contribute to developing?

The Pereires were instrumental in developing several iconic urban landscapes, including the Gare Saint-Lazare, the Parc Monceau neighborhood in Paris, the Rue de la République in Marseille, and the holiday resort of Arcachon.

What was the significance of Gare Saint-Lazare in relation to the Pereires?

Gare Saint-Lazare, first opened in 1842, served as the terminal for the Pereires' Compagnie des chemins de fer de l'Ouest, making it a key part of their railway development legacy.

How were the Pereires involved in the development of the Parc Monceau neighborhood in Paris?

The Pereires purchased the grounds around Parc Monceau from the Orléans family in 1861 and were involved in the development of the neighborhood surrounding the park.

What was the previous name of Place du Maréchal-Juin in Paris, and when was it renamed?

The Place du Maréchal-Juin in Paris was called Place Pereire until 1973, honoring the Pereire brothers.

What public transportation facilities in Paris are named after the Pereires?

The Pereire Metro Station and the Pereire–Levallois RER station in Paris are named in honor of the Pereire brothers.

What was the name of the Bourbon rose bred in 1881, and who was it named after?

The Bourbon rose bred in 1881 by Armand Garcon was named Madame Isaac Pereire. It was named after Fanny, Isaac Pereire's second wife, who was also known as Madame Isaac Pereire.

What does the plaque in Saint-Germain-en-Laye highlight regarding Émile Pereire's role?

A plaque in Saint-Germain-en-Laye highlights Émile Pereire's role in developing the Cité Médicis neighborhood above the new railway line in 1837.

Pereire Brothers Wiki: The Pereire Dynasty: Financial Architects of the Second Empire

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Overview

The Pereire Brothers

Émile Pereire (1800-1875) and his brother Isaac Pereire (1806-1880) were pivotal figures in shaping France's financial and infrastructural landscape during the Second French Empire. They significantly challenged the dominance of the Rothschilds in continental European finance, a period known as haute finance.

Financial Influence

Their ambitious ventures, though ultimately facing challenges in the late 1860s, contributed substantially to a more developed and dynamic economic environment in France. Their influence extended across banking, railways, shipping, and urban development.

Sephardic Heritage

Like their prominent competitors, the Pereire brothers were of Sephardic Jewish origin, hailing from Bordeaux, Spain. This heritage connected them to a rich tradition of international commerce and finance.

Family Roots

Ancestral Ties

The brothers' lineage traces back to Jacob Rodrigues Pereira, a Spanish Sephardic Jew who established himself in France in 1741 and was instrumental in developing sign language for the deaf. He served as an interpreter for King Louis XV.

Marriages and Connections

The Pereire family forged strategic alliances through marriages into established families of French haute finance and the business elite. Émile married his cousin Herminie Rodrigues, and Isaac married Rachel Laurence Lopes Fonseca, later remarrying his niece Fanny.

Notable family connections include marriages to members of the Thurneyssen family, business partners of the Pereires. Eugène Pereire, Isaac's son, married Juliette Fould, related to the Pereires' notary and Achille Fould. Émile II married Suzanne Chevalier, sister of Michel Chevalier's brother. Henriette married Eugène Mir, a businessman and politician.

Later generations also intermarried with prominent families, such as Noémie Halphen marrying Maurice de Rothschild, linking the Pereire legacy with their historical competitors.

Educational Background

Several members of the Pereire family, including Eugène, Émile II, Henry, and Gustave, pursued higher education at the prestigious École Centrale Paris, equipping them with the technical and business acumen necessary for their ambitious endeavors.

Business Development

Railway Ventures

The Pereire brothers were instrumental in developing France's railway network. They founded the Compagnie du chemin de fer de Paris à Saint-Germain in 1835, which later merged into the Compagnie des chemins de fer de l'Ouest. They also played a key role in the Compagnie des chemins de fer du Midi and the Spanish Compañía de los Caminos de Hierro del Norte de España.

Financial Institutions

Central to their empire was the Crédit Mobilier, founded in 1852. This financial institution served as the backbone of their conglomerate, financing numerous large-scale projects. They also influenced the creation of banks like the Darmstädter Bank in Germany and the Banco Español de Crédito in Spain.

Diverse Enterprises

Their portfolio extended to shipping, notably the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, which operated transatlantic routes. They were also involved in urban development, gas lighting, insurance companies (predecessors to Axa), and warehousing facilities.

Compagnie du chemin de fer de Paris à Saint-Germain (1835)
Crédit Mobilier (1852)
Compagnie des chemins de fer du Midi (1852)
Compagnie parisienne de gaz (1855)
Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (1855)
Grand Hôtel du Louvre (1855)
Compagnie Immobilière de Paris (1856)
Imperial Ottoman Bank (reformed 1863)
Château Palmer winery (purchased 1853)

Politics & Media

Political Representation

The Pereire brothers were active participants in French politics. Émile served as a member of parliament (député) for Gironde from 1863 to 1869. Isaac was a député for Pyrénées-Orientales and later Aude. Eugène, Isaac's son, also served as a député for Tarn during the same period.

Media Influence

They maintained a significant presence in public discourse through media ownership and contributions. Émile wrote for publications like Le Globe and Le National. Isaac later acquired the conservative newspaper La Liberté in 1871, influencing its editorial direction.

Saint-Simonian Ideals

Moving to Paris in the early 1820s, the brothers became adherents of Saint-Simonism, a political and social movement advocating for industrial development and social reform. They maintained their commitment to these ideals despite a later break with key figures like Barthélemy Prosper Enfantin.

The Downfall

Financial Crisis

By the mid-1860s, the Pereires' financial alliances began to weaken. Their attempt to challenge the note-issuing monopoly of the Banque de France through the Bank of Savoy created friction with former associates. The Pereire group faced a severe crisis, largely due to the financial strain of their extensive developments in Marseille.

Loss of Control

Under pressure from the Banque de France, the Pereires were compelled to relinquish control of the Crédit Mobilier on September 14, 1867. This marked a significant turning point, leading to the eventual liquidation of some ventures and the sale of their art collections in 1872.

End of an Era

The Pereires' influence waned with the fall of the Second Empire, with which they were closely associated. As historian Persigny noted, their financial power had been crucial for the bold policies of the Empire, but its decline coincided with the Empire's end.

Family Properties

Parisian Estates

The Pereires invested heavily in real estate. They purchased the hôtel particulier at 15 Place Vendôme, which served as the headquarters for Crédit Mobilier and later became the Hôtel Ritz Paris. Their urban mansion at 35-37 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré now houses the British Embassy in Paris.

Country Retreats

They acquired a vast estate in Gretz-Armainvilliers, commissioning a palatial country house, the Château d'Armainvilliers, designed by Alfred Armand. Their villa in Arcachon, developed as part of a resort, was also a significant property.

Vineyard Holdings

The Pereires also owned the renowned Château Palmer winery in the Margaux AOC region near Bordeaux, a prestigious acquisition that remained within the family for nearly a century.

Enduring Legacy

Urban Landscapes

The Pereires' impact is visible in the urban fabric of Paris and beyond. They were key developers of the Gare Saint-Lazare, the Parc Monceau neighborhood in Paris, and the Rue de la République in Marseille. They also developed the holiday resort of Arcachon.

Named Landmarks

Their contributions are memorialized in Parisian geography. Boulevard Pereire and the former Place Pereire (now Place du Maréchal-Juin) bear their name, as do the Pereire Metro station and the Pereire–Levallois RER station. Their name is also found on streets and landmarks in Arcachon, Bayonne, Bordeaux, and Rueil-Malmaison.

Cultural Recognition

Even the world of horticulture acknowledges their legacy, with the Bourbon rose variety Madame Isaac Pereire, bred in 1881, named in honor of Fanny, Isaac's second wife.

Visual Archive

Railway Terminals

Depictions of the original station of the Compagnie du chemin de fer de Paris à Saint-Germain on Place de l'Europe (1837) and the Gare Saint-Lazare, terminal for the Chemin de fer de l'Ouest. Also shown is Toulouse-Matabiau station, developed for the Chemins de fer du Midi.

Parisian Landmarks

Images showcase the Pereires' influence on Parisian architecture, including the Grand Hôtel (now InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hotel) with the Café de la Paix, the former headquarters of Crédit Mobilier (now Hôtel Ritz Paris), and their residence on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré (now the British Embassy).

Regional Developments

Visuals include the Rue de la République in Marseille, the prestigious Château Palmer winery, their former country house in Gretz-Armainvilliers, their villa in Arcachon, and memorial plaques and stations named in their honor in Paris.

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References

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The Pereire Dynasty

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

👨‍💼👨‍💼 The Pereire Brothers

🏛️ Financial Influence

🌍 Sephardic Heritage

Family Roots 🌳

📜 Ancestral Ties

🤝 Marriages and Connections

🎓 Educational Background

Business Development 💼

🚂 Railway Ventures

🏦 Financial Institutions

🚢 Diverse Enterprises

Politics & Media 📢

🏛️ Political Representation

📰 Media Influence

💡 Saint-Simonian Ideals

The Downfall 📉

💥 Financial Crisis

📉 Loss of Control

⏳ End of an Era

Family Properties 🏡

🏰 Parisian Estates

🌳 Country Retreats

🍷 Vineyard Holdings

Enduring Legacy 🌟

🏙️ Urban Landscapes

📍 Named Landmarks

🌹 Cultural Recognition

Visual Archive 🖼️

🚉 Railway Terminals

🏢 Parisian Landmarks

🏘️ Regional Developments

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

The Pereire Brothers

Financial Influence

Sephardic Heritage

Family Roots

Ancestral Ties

Marriages and Connections

Educational Background

Business Development

Railway Ventures

Financial Institutions

Diverse Enterprises

Politics & Media

Political Representation

Media Influence

Saint-Simonian Ideals

The Downfall

Financial Crisis

Loss of Control

End of an Era

Family Properties

Parisian Estates

Country Retreats

Vineyard Holdings

Enduring Legacy

Urban Landscapes

Named Landmarks

Cultural Recognition

Visual Archive

Railway Terminals

Parisian Landmarks

Regional Developments

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice