Amsterdam History, Netherlands

Amsterdam, History- the early history

Amsterdam, one of the most important cities of Netherlands, has always played a significant role in the Dutch history, as it has been the greatest planned capital in the North of Europe.

The first information we have about Amsterdam History dates back from the 13th century, when the town is first referred to as a fishing village. The next two centuries helped to the development of this place to such an extent that historians named it The Golden Age, from which only few buildings are still “alive” today. This period met a flourishing commercial place, with an increasing number of inhabitants. Amsterdam cityscape was also defined in that period and tourists can observe its characteristics even today, when they visit the Dam Square, which is now the Royal Palace, the Van Raey-huizen, Keizersgracht Sweedenrijk, Herengracht and Westerkerk, Zuiderkerk.

Amsterdam, History- the middle history

During the 17th and 18th century, people from all over the world immigrated to this amazing place. This is the reason why the official institutions were represented by immigrants of all cultures. This has lead to the apparition of the bubonic plague, which is supposed to have come from Algiers. The number of population decreased and Amsterdam began to lose its status as a staple market as fewer and fewer investors came in.

The next century saw a decline in the prosperity of this city, because of the attacks England and France made on Netherlands. However, with the establishment of the Kingdom of Netherlands, the situation started to improve. The Industrial Revolution gave e boost to the city’s economy, as many canals were built, this making the communication with the rest of the world much easier. The end of the 19th century is called Amsterdam’s second Golden Age, as many important institutions were established, many beautiful buildings erected and the number of inhabitants increased considerably.

Amsterdam, History- 20th century

During World War I, although Netherlands proclaimed its neutrality, Amsterdam could feel its consequences, due to the scarcity of food. The hippie period saw this capital the right place to unfold itself, as this magical center of Europe began to tolerate the use of soft drugs. At the beginning of this millennium, important social problems such as discrimination, security, religion were more and more often. Just like Amsterdam History, Rotterdam History and Cologne History tell the story of a glorious Dutch past that continues to be created with every second that passes by.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Amsterdam
ask now

Things about Amsterdam you may be interested in

• Amsterdam Guide Books
• Amsterdam Reviews
• Amsterdam Travel tips

 

+ list your site

 

ReviewsTravel TipsWrite a reviewWrite a travel tip

 

 

Read our members' reviews about Amsterdam

• The Biking Amsterdam
  review by adam posted more then 30 days ago
  Biking in Amsterdam is not only a great experience, but it's also practical. There are many advantages relating about biking in Amsterdam First of all, you can acces all areas of the city, where cars are forbidden. This makes the city much more enjoyable, eco friendly, and active. The parking...
• Amsterdam,The Netherlands
  review by adam posted more then 30 days ago
  The Netherlands is by far one of Europes most gripping country. It has a rich history and I visited Amsterdam for a week. I can tell you that the city is not only pure charm and excitment, but it is also out of common and it's too unique unlike many other European cities. The best way to...
• Quick facts about Amsterdam
  review by cipristb posted more then 30 days ago
  Amsterdam is one of the two capitals of the Netherlands, being the official capital of the Netherlands. It is assumed that the year in which the Netherlands has received the city rights (from the Bishop of Utrecht Guy Avesnes) is 1306. The XIV th century is the century in wich Amsterdam was...

view all

 

Read our members' travel tips about Amsterdam

• Anne Frank House
  travel tip by Sayuri87 posted more then 30 days ago
  The visit we made to the Anne Frank House left us quite emotional. Even if I read her diary at least twice and could picture the way they lived, to actually stand there, in their rough, little house was something different entirely. We...
• Van Gogh Museum
  travel tip by blackangel_66 posted more then 30 days ago
  Though a little bit expensive, the Van Gogh Museum is an artistic jewel among all the naturalistic or historic museums that can be found in Amsterdam. There are more than 200 paintings and about 5-600 drawings of the famous Dutch artist...
• Walking Tour: Amsterdam in World War II
  travel tip by tibi60 posted more then 30 days ago
  Learning a bit more of the city's history, and social background during the German occupation, the Amsterdam in World War II Walking Tour  was the perfect opportunity.Focusing on the happening during World War II and afterward...

view all

 

 

Community

Members Who Have Been to Amsterdam

See who has been to Amsterdam and ask them a question (membership required)

david79 ask a question add to friends

SOUDHA ask a question add to friends

JackRussel ask a question add to friends

accounting ask a question add to friends

 

show all

 

Community Galleries About Amsterdam

Browse our members' Amsterdam galleries to get a better impression of the place

view gallery

view gallery

view gallery

 

show alladd gallery

 

 

the best travel deals provided by TravelZoo...