History
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Early Ages 1200's-1500's
Amsterdam’s roots can be traced back to a 13th century fishing village on the banks of the rivers Ij and Amstel. The early settlers constructed earthen dikes and levees to drain the water-soaked bog marshes. Dam square in the heart of Amsterdam marks the location of one of these early works. These early people were called “Amstelledammers” and they earned a living mainly as a merchant town for the traders moving beer and herring up and down the rivers. They also became expert ship builders. The redirecting of the rivers and considerably increased the risk of flooding in the agricultural areas surrounding Amsterdam called Amstelland (as the region was once known). Farmers thus turned to cattle farming and became dependent on wheat product importation. Wheat then became another important trade item for the city. |
Amsterdam DNA | Revolt from PlusOne on Vimeo. |
Golden Age - 1600's
The end of the 15th century saw the beginnings of the Golden Age of Holland. They organized trips to India for trading which brought about great financial rewards. In 1602, the Dutch East India Company was founded and with a majority share in that successful operation, the city of Amsterdam enjoyed unprecedented prosperity and growth. It is arguably the world’s first multinational company. Other financial institutions were established such as the Exchange and Money Exchange in the city, setting the roots for Amsterdam’s long history of being an international financial center. The West Indian Trade Company was also established at this time bringing increased revenues from trade with the New World. The famous working class districtJordaan was established in this time period and a series of artificial islands were constructed in the river Ij to accommodate more growth. The famous canals which still line the streets of Amsterdam were built and the art scene flourished, with many famous Dutch Impressionistic artists gaining international recognition. The art from that time period is still cherished today in the halls of the Rijkmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in old Amsterdam. To learn more about these art institutions, click on the Art and Culture button.
The end of the 15th century saw the beginnings of the Golden Age of Holland. They organized trips to India for trading which brought about great financial rewards. In 1602, the Dutch East India Company was founded and with a majority share in that successful operation, the city of Amsterdam enjoyed unprecedented prosperity and growth. It is arguably the world’s first multinational company. Other financial institutions were established such as the Exchange and Money Exchange in the city, setting the roots for Amsterdam’s long history of being an international financial center. The West Indian Trade Company was also established at this time bringing increased revenues from trade with the New World. The famous working class districtJordaan was established in this time period and a series of artificial islands were constructed in the river Ij to accommodate more growth. The famous canals which still line the streets of Amsterdam were built and the art scene flourished, with many famous Dutch Impressionistic artists gaining international recognition. The art from that time period is still cherished today in the halls of the Rijkmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in old Amsterdam. To learn more about these art institutions, click on the Art and Culture button.
In those early days, the Amsterdam people rejected central planning and monumental buildings. The city was built up piecemeal as need dictated and you will find no grand boulevards. The Dam square (where the Royal Palace now resides) is the oldest part of the city and the only exception to this rule.
Rise of Amsterdam and Independence - 1700's
By the late 16th century, Amsterdam was the largest city of Holland. At that time the first political entity known as “The Netherlands” was established and still included Belgian cities; although at that time The Netherlands was still part of the Spanish empire. The provinces of Holland revolted and gained their independence from the Spanish by the end of the century. The city of Antwerp was caught in the middle of this and many rich, Portuguese-Jewish merchants fled to Amsterdam to escape persecution at the hands of Spanish Catholic rulers. The city eagerly welcomed them and their resources helped propel Amsterdam’s status as a merchant city forward. It also started the legacy of Amsterdam’s reputation as an inclusive and tolerant city. The University of Amsterdam was founded soon afterwards and its center of learning helped inculcate a spirit of academia and innovation. To learn more about this institution of earning which still stands today, go to the Education page.
By the late 16th century, Amsterdam was the largest city of Holland. At that time the first political entity known as “The Netherlands” was established and still included Belgian cities; although at that time The Netherlands was still part of the Spanish empire. The provinces of Holland revolted and gained their independence from the Spanish by the end of the century. The city of Antwerp was caught in the middle of this and many rich, Portuguese-Jewish merchants fled to Amsterdam to escape persecution at the hands of Spanish Catholic rulers. The city eagerly welcomed them and their resources helped propel Amsterdam’s status as a merchant city forward. It also started the legacy of Amsterdam’s reputation as an inclusive and tolerant city. The University of Amsterdam was founded soon afterwards and its center of learning helped inculcate a spirit of academia and innovation. To learn more about this institution of earning which still stands today, go to the Education page.
By the end of the 17th century, the Amsterdam economy started to decline, but with the construction of the North Sea Canal providing a direct link to the sea, Amsterdam’s importance as a trading port increased as new steamships traversed the seas to ever further destinations.
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Meanwhile the prosperity of the city was not limited to its city limits. With the introduction of such technologies as the windmill, sawmill, and advanced shipbuilding skills, other areas within the region that would eventually be known as the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area gained prominence. The Zaan region in particular was very industrious and had hundreds of mills. Today only a few exist for tourist purposes. Several cities along the Zuiderzee (or Southern Sea) also flourished as harbors and trade centers. Haarlem became the second largest and most important city in the region. An influx of Flemish immigrants built up the city’s textile industry and with the emergence of printed media came the world’s first newspaper. It also specialized in railway equipment, machinery, and metalworks.
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Late History - 1800's and 1900's
Haarlemmermeer was the region’s last great reclamation project. Flooding had caused three smaller lakes to merge into one. This threat to residents spurred them to drain the area. Haarlemmermeer was mostly agricultural and a military airbase until the establishment of Amsterdam AirportSchiphol airport in 1917. To see a video of life in the Haarlemmermeer region just after it was drained, see the video above. To learn more about Schiphol and how it continues to be a major part of the AMA economy today, click the button.
Haarlemmermeer was the region’s last great reclamation project. Flooding had caused three smaller lakes to merge into one. This threat to residents spurred them to drain the area. Haarlemmermeer was mostly agricultural and a military airbase until the establishment of Amsterdam AirportSchiphol airport in 1917. To see a video of life in the Haarlemmermeer region just after it was drained, see the video above. To learn more about Schiphol and how it continues to be a major part of the AMA economy today, click the button.
1935 future plan for Amsterdam by urban planner Cornelis van Eesteren
The 19th and early 20th century saw a rearrangement of industry strengths between the cities. The Netherlands finally caught up with the Industrial Age. Some areas (like Zaan) lost their importance as shipbuilding cities to Rotterdam and adapted to more machine industry. City planning was still in its infancy, but economic and population growth finally caused the city to knock down its walls and expand outwards. Densely built areas popped up just outside the city limits and were often characterized by social housing projects popular with the government at that time. The expansion of rail and tramways allowed families to buy summer estates in the suburbs or move there permanently. This time period saw the beginnings of the commuter culture which was closely tied to the public transit system.
By 1934, the city had totally embraced city planning and expansion followed according to the master Amsterdam Expansion Plan based on the CIAM principles of a ‘functional city’ and diligent ‘survey before plan’ method which continued unabated for three decades.
While not directly involved in the two World Wars, Amsterdam’s people were nonetheless affected. The city endured little physical damage, but widespread food shortages led to starvation. As well the city lost many of its Jewish residents to the Holocaust.
By 1934, the city had totally embraced city planning and expansion followed according to the master Amsterdam Expansion Plan based on the CIAM principles of a ‘functional city’ and diligent ‘survey before plan’ method which continued unabated for three decades.
While not directly involved in the two World Wars, Amsterdam’s people were nonetheless affected. The city endured little physical damage, but widespread food shortages led to starvation. As well the city lost many of its Jewish residents to the Holocaust.
In the post-war period, many native Amsterdam residents moved to satellite towns and the population of the city was replenished with an influx of Surinamese, Turkish, and Moroccan immigrants. The inner cities started to deteriorate and its residents staged a backlash against some of the Modernist urban renewal policies which threatened to destroy the historic fabric of the city.
Planning policies changed from demolition and new construction into renovation and restoration. This helped stem the flow of emigration from the city and revive its image as an attractive place to live. City planning made a complete 180 and today focuses on preservation, compact design, and re-use of blighted former industrial areas to keep up with housing demands. The plan has been so successful in making the city appealing again that housing has struggled to keep up with the influx of new, young residents. A notable victory in the preservation of the historic charm of Amsterdam's old city was the addition of its canal system (upon which so much of its wealth and prosperity can be attributed) to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Today Amsterdam is a truly international city with representatives from over 180 countries residing in it. Its history of tolerance, inclusion, and preservation have made it an attractive choice to many people. In addition, the skills and prominence it gained centuries before in trade and finance have built the foundations of its still-successful economy. This legacy lives on today. The Dutch are well known for their civil and water engineering skills as well as their mastery in shipbuilding, manufacturing some of the finest vessels in the world. Their history of trade and being a port city lives on as well, as Amsterdam continues to be one of the major financial capitals of the world. To learn more about the AMA's prowess as a globally-oriented financial center, click the button.
Planning policies changed from demolition and new construction into renovation and restoration. This helped stem the flow of emigration from the city and revive its image as an attractive place to live. City planning made a complete 180 and today focuses on preservation, compact design, and re-use of blighted former industrial areas to keep up with housing demands. The plan has been so successful in making the city appealing again that housing has struggled to keep up with the influx of new, young residents. A notable victory in the preservation of the historic charm of Amsterdam's old city was the addition of its canal system (upon which so much of its wealth and prosperity can be attributed) to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Today Amsterdam is a truly international city with representatives from over 180 countries residing in it. Its history of tolerance, inclusion, and preservation have made it an attractive choice to many people. In addition, the skills and prominence it gained centuries before in trade and finance have built the foundations of its still-successful economy. This legacy lives on today. The Dutch are well known for their civil and water engineering skills as well as their mastery in shipbuilding, manufacturing some of the finest vessels in the world. Their history of trade and being a port city lives on as well, as Amsterdam continues to be one of the major financial capitals of the world. To learn more about the AMA's prowess as a globally-oriented financial center, click the button.
Sources of historical information include: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/about-amsterdam/history-and-society;
http://www.amsterdamtourist.info/about-amsterdam/history-of-amsterdam/
and "The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area: towards a creative knowledge region? Pathways to creative and knowledge-based cities: case Amsterdam"
Marco Bontje and Bart Sleutjes, ACRE report, AMIDSt, University of Amsterdam.
http://www.amsterdamtourist.info/about-amsterdam/history-of-amsterdam/
and "The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area: towards a creative knowledge region? Pathways to creative and knowledge-based cities: case Amsterdam"
Marco Bontje and Bart Sleutjes, ACRE report, AMIDSt, University of Amsterdam.
