How American Heiresses became Dollar Princesses

In this podcast episode, we explore the intriguing connection between wealth and love, focusing on the so-called "Dollar Princesses." These were wealthy American women who cleverly married into British aristocracy in the late 19th century. The episode examines the economic challenges faced by the British elite and the aspirations of rich American families, illustrating how these marriages not only provided financial security for the aristocrats but also led to a significant transfer of wealth from America to Britain. Through the story of Jenny Jerome's marriage to Lord Randolph Churchill, we uncover the profound effects these unions had on social structures and the evolving roles of women, especially in the aftermath of World War I.