‘The Gilded Age’s Most Scandalous Divorce Could Predict Bertha And George’s Future

Alva Vanderbilt, aka Bertha Russell from HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age’, had all the luxuries a woman could’ve asked for in the high society of New York back then. She had married into one of America’s wealthiest families, climbed up the elite social ladder, and even secured a place in British aristocratic society through her daughter’s marriage. 

But Alva’s glamorous life was partly for show, and her marriage to William K. Vanderbilt was falling apart. But unfortunately, like today, women neither had the power nor the money to hire a lawyer and file for divorce. But Alva was not someone to fit the typical mold. In 1895, Alva made a decision that shocked the elite of American society. She finally took the bold step and divorced her millionaire husband.

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We have seen a similar pattern in the relationship between George Russell and Bertha Russell in HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age’ too. So, does that mean their relationship will also end in divorce in the next season?

Why Did Alva Vanderbilt Divorce Her Millionaire Husband Back in The Gilded Age?

Alva Vanderbilt met William K. through mutual friends, and just months after, the pair tied the knot in 1875, when Alva’s family was struggling financially. As a result, the marriage gave her access to extraordinary wealth. But still, she was struggling to fit into the city’s old-money elite society.

But Alva didn’t give up. She continued to host extravagant parties and costume balls to secure her place in society. Yet, Alva’s social victories didn’t help her marriage. Day by day, her relationship with William only deteriorated, and ultimately, his infidelity put a pin in their relationship’s coffin.

How Alva Survived The Divorce Scandal?

Back in the 19th century, divorce was taboo for women of the higher society, and that’s why unhappy couples often resorted to secret separation rather than public divorces. But Alva challenged the convention and went against the tide. In the year 1895, a New York court granted Alva a divorce on the grounds of her husband’s adultery and even full custody of her children.

As a result, the media treated the Vanderbilt divorce as a scandal, but that couldn’t harm Alva much. She retained considerable wealth and influence from divorcing her millionaire husband. While society kept sidelining her, her daughter Consuelo’s marriage to Britain’s Charles Spencer-Churchill, just eight months later, restored her status and strengthened family ties.

Having restored her status in society, Alva married Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont in 1896 and began another chapter of her life. When her husband passed away in 1908, Alva remained an influential supporter of women’s voting rights and used her fortune and connections to advance the right causes. 

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