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History of Amsterdam
From its humble beginnings as a 13th century fishing village on a river bed to it's current role as a major hub for business, tourism and culture, Amsterdam has had a strong tradition as a centre of culture and commerce.
Dutch East India Company
By the end of the fifteenth century, the development of the city was rapid. After the Spaniards conquered Antwerp, many rich Jews fled to Amsterdam. The money they brought with them was used to organise trips to India, which proved a huge commercial success. Then in 1602, the Dutch East India Company was founded. Amsterdam had a majority share in this company, which was to become the first multinational in the world. The result was a period of unprecedented boom and prosperity, causing the 17th century to become known as the ‘Golden Age’.
By the end of the fifteenth century, the development of the city was rapid. After the Spaniards conquered Antwerp, many rich Jews fled to Amsterdam. The money they brought with them was used to organise trips to India, which proved a huge commercial success. Then in 1602, the Dutch East India Company was founded. Amsterdam had a majority share in this company, which was to become the first multinational in the world. The result was a period of unprecedented boom and prosperity, causing the 17th century to become known as the ‘Golden Age’.
The Golden Age
During the period, the city underwent two massive urban expansions, and for the first time it was not only keeping functionality, but also beauty in mind. The results were the canals and the Jordaan. The art scene was also flourishing at this time. In the first half of the 17th century, the number of artists rose enormously and there was an explosion of art and art dealers in Amsterdam. In thirty years, Amsterdam became a thriving cultural city, leaving a legacy of Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer and Jan Steen.
At the end of the 17th century, the Amsterdam economy finally came to a standstill, resulting in a period of decline and increasing poverty. But with the construction of the North Sea Canal (1876), Amsterdam finally had a direct connection to the sea. From that moment on steamships became part of everyday life in Amsterdam's port. It was a turning point for the city. Thanks to trade with the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia), Amsterdam acquired an important position in the world trade of spices. The diamond trade with South Africa also began to evolve at this point.
The 20th century
The 20th century began well. The Amsterdam school, an idealistic architecture movement, built different districts, providing low-cost housing around the old city. The city also expanded to include Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, which still remains the home of Dutch national carrier KLM - the oldest airline in the world.
The 20th century began well. The Amsterdam school, an idealistic architecture movement, built different districts, providing low-cost housing around the old city. The city also expanded to include Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, which still remains the home of Dutch national carrier KLM - the oldest airline in the world.
Although the Netherlands remained neutral during World War I, a serious shortage of food arose because of the war. Many products had to be rationed by vouchers. World War II caused little physical damage to the buildings and infrastructure of Amsterdam. But starvation during the period did take many lives, and as a result of the persecution of the Jews, the city lost ten percent of its inhabitants.
After the war, the composition of the Amsterdam population changed rapidly. Many original Amsterdammers left for satellite towns, such as Purmerend, Hoorn and Almere. On the other hand, the influx of Surinamese, Turkish and Moroccan immigrants maintained the population. Amsterdam now hosts more than 750,000 residents from 175 different countries.
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