#404 | The Rise And Fall Of The Vanderbilts

09/21/23 • 20 min

1 Listener

It's a story of how one family went from almost literal slavery to being the richest in the world – before losing it all.

In this episode, we'll be talking about the rise and fall of one of the most influential families in American history – the Vanderbilts.

Jan Aertson's Journey to the New World
Cornelius Vanderbilt: The Commodore's early career in transportation
Vanderbilt's expansion during the California Gold Rush
Vanderbilt's transition to the railway industry
Vanderbilt's immense wealth and his legacy
The character of Cornelius Vanderbilt, The Commodore
The inheritance and financial management of the Vanderbilt family
The extravagant lifestyles and lavish spending of Vanderbilt descendants
The decline of the Vanderbilt fortune and its causes
Notable Vanderbilt legacies: Vanderbilt University, Biltmore Estate, and Grand Central Station

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/vanderbilts

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Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية

It's a story of how one family went from almost literal slavery to being the richest in the world – before losing it all.

In this episode, we'll be talking about the rise and fall of one of the most influential families in American history – the Vanderbilts.

Jan Aertson's Journey to the New World
Cornelius Vanderbilt: The Commodore's early career in transportation
Vanderbilt's expansion during the California Gold Rush
Vanderbilt's transition to the railway industry
Vanderbilt's immense wealth and his legacy
The character of Cornelius Vanderbilt, The Commodore
The inheritance and financial management of the Vanderbilt family
The extravagant lifestyles and lavish spending of Vanderbilt descendants
The decline of the Vanderbilt fortune and its causes
Notable Vanderbilt legacies: Vanderbilt University, Biltmore Estate, and Grand Central Station

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/vanderbilts

---

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🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists

✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube]

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📧 Join our FREE weekly newsletter
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Previous Episode

#402 | The French Foreign Legion

It is, by some measures, the toughest fighting force in the world – yet it continues to attract people from across the globe through the promise of a fresh start and adventure.

In this episode, we'll be talking about the origins of the French Foreign Legion, how you join it, and what life is like as a Legionnaire.

French Foreign Legion: Toughest fighting force, attracts diverse recruits worldwide.
Origins: Founded in 1831 to manage foreign soldiers in France.
Recruitment: Open to all nationalities, minimal requirements, new identity.
Training: Physically demanding, intense, discipline enforced, harsh conditions.
Deployments: Legion serves French interests globally, long history of conflicts.
Unique Composition: Multinational units, French language requirement.
Rewards: Basic salary, housing, meals, new identity, path to French citizenship.
Sacrifices: High risk, thousands of Legionnaires have died for France.
Fascinating History: From Algeria to modern deployments, rich legacy.

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/french-foreign-legion

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Next Episode

#406 | What Does “Lord” Really Mean? An Exploration Of The British Aristocracy.

"Duke", "Earl", "Lord", and "Baron" – what do these titles actually mean?

In part one of our mini-series on British social class, we'll be talking about the origins of the British aristocracy and the roles they have in modern Britain.

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/lord-meaning-british-aristocracy

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You might like:

🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists

✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube]

📹 A look inside Leonardo English membership

📧 Join our FREE weekly newsletter
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