Amsterdam in The Netherlands

Commentary

Amsterdam in The Netherlands is probably one of my favourite cities in the world. World class transportation, food, shopping; everything a tourist could ask for, including the borderline-fanatically-efficient Dutch approach to life and the ever-present attitude of “Live and Let Live.”

Overview

Although Den Haag is the seat of government for the country, Amsterdam is the nominal capital, with a population of 750,000 and yearly traffic of 3.5 million people. It sits on low-lying land where the Amstel River and Ij River meet, and is a result of countless generations of peoples’ efforts to fight back the waters and reclaim land from the surrounding sea. Amsterdam has historically been the World Capital for tolerance of all peoples, religions, and beliefs, known as a harbour for the world’s unwanted peoples.

History

Early beginnings

Emerging in the 1200s on the low-lying grounds surrounding the Amstel River, its roots began as a fishing village that turned to merchant traffic after the discovery of a method of curing herring in the 1300s, enabling it to be exported. By the 1500s, Amsterdam had become the center of wealth in Holland, spurred by trade with the Baltics. In the 1600s, Amsterdam reached its Golden Age, becoming a magnet for capitalists, artists, and architects. Charitable institutions were setup to care for the paupers, which was a radical idea in the age. The Dutch began expanding their wealth through spice trading in the east, and the Dutch East India Company thrived. Their world empire began to take root with acquisitions in The New World, including parts of Brazil and Manhattan Island, which as to be renamed New Amsterdam. But war with England began to radically affect the Dutch Navy by the end of the 17^th century. In the 1700s, the Dutch Empire began its decline, yet Amsterdam became the financial capital of the world. Tolerance prevailed, spurring an influx of immigrants seeking refuge. In the late 1700s, Napoleon made his mark by taking over the Dutch Republic and making his brother Louis the king of the Netherlands. After the rule of Louis Napoleon, the House of Orange regrouped and declared a monarchy in the early 1800s. In the middle of the century, the liberal constitution started taking shape that led to the start of a Socialists tradition.

The Modern Age

The Netherlands remained neutral during World War I, and attempted to remain neutral during World War II, only to be invaded by the Germans, who starved the local population and deported their Jews to concentration camps. Many Jews tried to hide, including the famous Anne Frank, who chronicled her time in hiding in her famous diary.

After the end of World War II, Amsterdam’s reputation as a city of tolerance led to an influx of radicals, including druggies and leftists. By the 1980s, many families were escaping the dangerous city, forcing the redevelopment of laws. Today the city is once again enjoying a peaceful and prosperous time.

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