American Dynasties Season 1 Episode 1 The Astors: High Society

American Dynasties season 1 episode 1, named "The Astors: High Society," delves into the history of the powerful Astor family and their rise to high society. The Astors were one of the wealthiest families in America during the 19th century, and the episode explores how they accumulated their vast wealth and used it to cement their place in the upper echelons of society.

The episode begins by introducing John Jacob Astor, who came to America from Germany in 1783 and built a vast fur trading empire. The immense wealth he accumulated from this enterprise allowed him to start investing in New York City's real estate market, eventually making him the richest person in America. This success secured the Astor family's financial future for generations to come.

As the Astor family's wealth grew, so did their influence in high society. The episode highlights how they often used their wealth to buy their way into exclusive social circles and even royalty. The Astors were patrons of the arts, and their investments in museums and libraries allowed them to further cement their place in society.

However, the episode doesn't shy away from the darker side of the Astor family's history. John Jacob Astor's fortune was built on the exploitation of indigenous people and enslaved black Americans, and the episode explores how the family's wealth was built on the backs of those who were oppressed.

The focus of the episode then shifts to William Waldorf Astor, John Jacob Astor's grandson, who inherited a significant portion of the family's fortune. William was a controversial figure who lived in England for much of his life, but his influence in the United States remained strong. He became known for his investments in London's real estate market and his extensive art collection, which is now housed in New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art.

"The Astors: High Society" doesn't just focus on the family's past, it also examines their impact on present-day America. The Astor family's legacy lives on in the United States through various charitable organizations, including the Astor Foundation, which focuses on education and the arts.

Overall, American Dynasties season 1 episode 1 provides a fascinating look into the lives of one of America's wealthiest families and how their wealth and influence helped to shape American society. The episode offers a balanced perspective on their history, acknowledging both their accomplishments and the darker aspects of their legacy.