City History
How a fishing village became the center of world banking
Amsterdam’s history is a long and colorful one. From its first quiet days as a fishing town to the cultural center of the Netherlands, Amsterdam has played an important role in the country’s development.
A city is foundedEight hundred years ago, Amsterdam was settled by people who made their livelihood fishing the Amstel River. A dam in the river made this spot an ideal location for fishing, which is how Amstelledamme, later Amsterdam, got its name. The dam still exists today as a public square.
Into the 1300s, construction around the city intensified. Like many European cities, the town spread outwards from its original founding spot. Ramparts were constructed to protect the city and canals were dug to quicken the transportation of people and goods. In the early 1400s, the city quickly outgrew its borders. New walls were constructed at the Eastern end of the city and a canal moat was built at the west end. The majority of homes and buildings constructed during that time were built of wood - a material not known for its longevity or durability. Today, only a few of those original wooden structures remain.
Booming businessAt the time of the city’s expansion, Amsterdam’s economy was unimpressive. Dealing mostly in beer and herring, the city didn’t have much to offer. All of that changed, however, when Amsterdam joined the Burgundian Empire. Amsterdam’s harbor suddenly became an important port for trading fish and grain from outlying countries. This boom in economic success turned Amsterdam into the largest city in Holland.
A safe placePolitical unrest in the 1500s changed the religious landscape of the area. Catholicism quickly lost popularity and since Holland was known as one of the most tolerant areas of the time, persecuted Protestants and Portuguese Jews poured into the area. At the same time, merchants from Antwerp moved many of their businesses to Amsterdam, bringing another major boost to the economy.
The Golden Age beginsAmsterdam became the launching place of many successful Dutch expeditions into the Indies. The more successful the expeditions were, the more were planned. The booming industry created the United East Indian company (or VOC). More than half of the revenue from this burgeoning company belonged to Amsterdam merchants and citizens. This influx of wealth drew more people to the city and encouraged local government and citizens to build the famous ring of canals and the tall houses Amsterdam is known for. By 1700, the population of Amsterdam had reached an impressive 200,000 citizens.
The flourishing economy and broadmindedness of the city was great for culture and the arts as well. Wealthy citizens sought out important pieces of art and brought them to their homes. Amsterdam’s great poets and philosophers created significant works. Rembrandt and his students created masterpieces in the heart of the city.
A twist of fateIn the late 1600s, the Netherlands were at war with England and France, sealing the city’s ports to ships coming in from the Dutch Indies. The drop in trade hurt the economy severely, but as Amsterdam dropped in power as a center of world trade, it grew in importance when money transfers became an everyday part of business. Quite quickly, fate turned and made Amsterdam the financial center of the world, providing banking services to European monarchs who needed funding for their wars.
The 1800s brought industrialization to Amsterdam, increasing its population as people flooded the area looking for employment. Construction of lodgings boomed again to hold the influx of arrivals.
Amsterdam during World War IIThroughout its history, Amsterdam has been known as a haven of tolerance for the persecuted. During World War II, however, Amsterdam was hit hard. Its large population of Jewish citizens was deported and most did not return. Many Jews were hidden around the city by compassionate citizens to protect them from the Nazi regime. Anne Frank’s house is possibly the most poignant reminder of this difficult time for Amsterdam.
Today, Amsterdam is the cultural center of the Netherlands. With museums, operas and art galleries, locals and tourists alike admire the city’s youthful exuberance and rich history.
City History
How a fishing village became the center of world banking
Amsterdam’s history is a long and colorful one. From its first quiet days as a fishing town to the cultural center of the Netherlands, Amsterdam has played an important role in the country’s development.
A city is foundedEight hundred years ago, Amsterdam was settled by people who made their livelihood fishing the Amstel River. A dam in the river made this spot an ideal location for fishing, which is how Amstelledamme, later Amsterdam, got its name. The dam still exists today as a public square.
Into the 1300s, construction around the city intensified. Like many European cities, the town spread outwards from its original founding spot. Ramparts were constructed to protect the city and canals were dug to quicken the transportation of people and goods. In the early 1400s, the city quickly outgrew its borders. New walls were constructed at the Eastern end of the city and a canal moat was built at the west end. The majority of homes and buildings constructed during that time were built of wood - a material not known for its longevity or durability. Today, only a few of those original wooden structures remain.
Booming businessAt the time of the city’s expansion, Amsterdam’s economy was unimpressive. Dealing mostly in beer and herring, the city didn’t have much to offer. All of that changed, however, when Amsterdam joined the Burgundian Empire. Amsterdam’s harbor suddenly became an important port for trading fish and grain from outlying countries. This boom in economic success turned Amsterdam into the largest city in Holland.
A safe placePolitical unrest in the 1500s changed the religious landscape of the area. Catholicism quickly lost popularity and since Holland was known as one of the most tolerant areas of the time, persecuted Protestants and Portuguese Jews poured into the area. At the same time, merchants from Antwerp moved many of their businesses to Amsterdam, bringing another major boost to the economy.
The Golden Age beginsAmsterdam became the launching place of many successful Dutch expeditions into the Indies. The more successful the expeditions were, the more were planned. The booming industry created the United East Indian company (or VOC). More than half of the revenue from this burgeoning company belonged to Amsterdam merchants and citizens. This influx of wealth drew more people to the city and encouraged local government and citizens to build the famous ring of canals and the tall houses Amsterdam is known for. By 1700, the population of Amsterdam had reached an impressive 200,000 citizens.
The flourishing economy and broadmindedness of the city was great for culture and the arts as well. Wealthy citizens sought out important pieces of art and brought them to their homes. Amsterdam’s great poets and philosophers created significant works. Rembrandt and his students created masterpieces in the heart of the city.
A twist of fateIn the late 1600s, the Netherlands were at war with England and France, sealing the city’s ports to ships coming in from the Dutch Indies. The drop in trade hurt the economy severely, but as Amsterdam dropped in power as a center of world trade, it grew in importance when money transfers became an everyday part of business. Quite quickly, fate turned and made Amsterdam the financial center of the world, providing banking services to European monarchs who needed funding for their wars.
The 1800s brought industrialization to Amsterdam, increasing its population as people flooded the area looking for employment. Construction of lodgings boomed again to hold the influx of arrivals.
Amsterdam during World War IIThroughout its history, Amsterdam has been known as a haven of tolerance for the persecuted. During World War II, however, Amsterdam was hit hard. Its large population of Jewish citizens was deported and most did not return. Many Jews were hidden around the city by compassionate citizens to protect them from the Nazi regime. Anne Frank’s house is possibly the most poignant reminder of this difficult time for Amsterdam.
Today, Amsterdam is the cultural center of the Netherlands. With museums, operas and art galleries, locals and tourists alike admire the city’s youthful exuberance and rich history.
