The History of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands has always been a well-known name in the world history. It is well-known throughout the world as the greatest planned city of the northern Europe, and is highly acclaimed for its rich heritage. It was considered as the center of world economy in the 17^th century, and now the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands is acclaimed for its tolerant character.

The Early Days

The greatest planned city of Amsterdam, Netherlands was first founded as a fishing village around the thirteenth century. It developed round a dam ion the Amstel river at the end of the 12^th century, and the name Amstelledamme occurs for the first time in October 27, 1275 when the toll concession of Floris V. Count of Holland happened. During the 14^th century throughout the 15^th, Amsterdam, Netherlands experienced a rapid development, which later on laid the foundation for the city’s Golden Age.

It was noted that only very few medieval buildings in the city survive today. The houses were then built of wood, a vulnerable type of construction material. The world famous Houten Huis is no exception to this rule. However, most of them were destroyed, but a surprisingly large number of Amsterdam dwellings still have timber frames.

The City’s Golden Age

The Golden Age of Amsterdam, Netherlands starts from the period 1585 and ends in 1672. This period was said to be the hey-day of the city’s commercial success. During this time, the Amsterdam, Netherlands was the staple market of the world and it is also during this period that the characteristic Amsterdam cityscape was developed. It is just worth noting that in 1613 and 1663, urban expansions are what set the city’s characteristic appearance. It is also during this time that a number of today’s historic buildings were built, like the town hall in the Dam Square, which is known as the Royal Palace at present.

The Age of Gold and Silver

1672 in Amsterdam, Netherlands was a year of disaster for the Dutch Republic as the French and English were attacking simultaneously during this time. The Golden Age of the city had come to end; however Amsterdam, Netherlands was still able to manage the consolidation of its prosperity during the period 1672 to 1795 despite of the predicament that the Republic found itself in.

At that time, the city remained as the major staple market and managed to retain its position as the financial center of Europe. Also, a large number of dwellings were built at this period, both simple and rich canal houses reflect the city’s prosperity.

Amsterdam’s Recession and Decline

In 1795 the government of the patrician oligarchies was overthrown from power and the old Republic ceased to exist. Soon, the French were to occupy the country. It was during the period 1795 to 1813 that Amsterdam, Netherlands has suffered badly from the economic recession, which is a state of affairs reflected by the stagnation of the demographic development. A number of houses were vacant at this time, and some even collapsed for lack of maintenance. However, some facades and interiors dating back to the Empire period of Amsterdam, Netherlands still survive up to these days.

1813 to 1940 in the history of Amsterdam, Netherlands marked the period of economic recovery and it was from 1870 onwards that the expansion began. A rapid population growth started to happen and from here an increasing wealth was accumulated. As many have noted, this development was primarily the result of the Industrial Revolution which triggered off a New Golden Age.