August Belmont
✓ Source-basedfallingUnited States banker, financier and diplomat (1813-1890)
August Belmont Sr. was a German-American financier, diplomat, and Democratic Party politician.
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Photos 7
The Kings of Wall Street, an 1882 print of Belmont standing, second from right. The others, left to right: Cyrus W. Field, Russell Sage, Rufus Hatch, Jay Gould, Sidney Dillon, D. O. Mills, William Henry Vanderbilt, George Wm. Ballou, and James R. Keene.
Belmont entered politics as a leading supporter of James Buchanan for president in 1852 and 1856.
Belmont was an aggressive advocate for the annexation of Cuba, proposing a plan to pressure Spain into giving up the island which included diplomatic pressure, financial leverage, and bribery. His lobbying eventually led to the Ostend Manifesto.
September 1868 Thomas Nast cartoon "This is a White Man's Government!" showing left to right a stereotyped Irishman (perhaps representing the Democratic Party), an ex-Confederate soldier (Nathan B. Forrest), and a capitalist (Belmont) "triumphing" over a prostrate USCT soldier on the ground.
Portrait of Caroline Slidell Perry Belmont by George Peter Alexander Healy
Statue of Belmont by John Quincy Adams Ward in NewportIn their orbit 5
Writers from United States 6
About this person
August Belmont Sr. was a German-American financier, diplomat, and Democratic Party politician. As chair of the Democratic National Committee from 1860 to 1872, during a period of turmoil and reconciliation for the party following the American Civil War, Belmont was one of the longest serving party leaders in American history. During his life, he was one of the wealthiest men in the United States. He was also a thoroughbred racehorse owner and the founder and namesake of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown of American Thoroughbred horse racing.
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