Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and is famous for its history and cultural background. Over the course of the centuries the city has become a host to many important events that define its development making it an interesting history spot. However, in this article, the author aims to describe some of the most significant historical background of Amsterdam.
The Founding of Amsterdam
Amsterdam has its background from a small fishing settlement which was founded in the twelfth century. It earned the status of the city in 1275 after being granted by Floris V, the Count of Holland. Hence, we find the convenience of this city near the Amstel River and the IJ which helped the city’s growth as a trade centre. It soon turned into a centre for trade and shipping that provided the basis for its growth in the future.
The Dutch Golden Age
Some of the most important time in the history of Amsterdam may be considered the Dutch Golden Age which was in the seventeenth century. It was a time of prosperity, arts and elaborate growth, and especially important trade. The trading monopoly of Antwerp was displaced to Amsterdam which in 1602 set up the Dutch East India Company. The city came into certain prominence in arts, sciences, and philosophy, and such genius personalities as Rembrandt and Descartes in Amsterdam. The highlight for this period can be noted as the creation of the famous canal belt – the unique UNESCO object.
The Siege of Amsterdam
Forgoing the order of events used in the earlier section, the next event that Amsterdam tried to manage in 1650 was what can be termed Third Anglo-Dutch War. It was surrounded and suffered extensive loss throughout the city. The war was a result of the continuous rivalry struggle between the Dutch republic and England. Amsterdam as such survived the siege, nonetheless the war changed it and left its mark on its formation.
World War II and the House where Anne Frank lived
As in many other European cities, the War affected Amsterdam greatly during the Second World War. As a result of the Nazi invasion, targeted many Jewish Dutch citizens throughout the Netherlands. The most vivid and shocking example of this is the Anne Frank House. Anne Frank, a Jewish girl, had to hide herself and her family in a concealed attic in Amsterdam where she a wrote her famous diary. Now it can be visited as museum where people remember about the sufferings during the war and got to know Anne Frank.
The Miracle of Amsterdam
Let’s take a break from the severe realities of World War II events and turn to a wonderful and inspirational historical story. The Miracle of Amsterdam lesser known and took place in the year 1345 when a man who was would up in the Kalverstraat received a communion from a priest. I do not know how the man was able to hold the sacrament down but he vomited it on a fire. In the most marvelous way the sacrament remained preserved and did not burn. This event was considered as Divinely- inspired and many flocked to the site to see it. Today, people of Amsterdam celebrate the Miracle on the 15th of March of every year.
Same sex marriage: A cross Cultural analysis of its legalization
Amsterdam was at the forefront, in more recent history, in supporting advocacy for the rights of the LGBTQ+ population. And the Netherlands made history in 2001 as the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage. It is a classic case that put great strides towards change and has set precedent for many other countries to emulate. Amsterdam is a very friendly city for the lesbians as well as gay men, and the Canal Pride that is held every year as a part of the Gay Pride manifest this perspective.
The Amsterdam Stock Exchange
First organized stock exchange was started in Amsterdam and it is more than 400 years old that has been established in 1602. It had a vital standard-setting part in the formation of contemporary financial markets and for shaping the creation of stock exchanges in other nations. Modern trading venue in Amsterdam is called Euronext Amsterdam and continues to play a significant role in its economy.
Amsterdam — A Brief History
Amsterdam has a long and complex history and it is important to understand the many events that have helped to form the present day Amsterdam. Industries that have passed through the hands of Amsterdam reflect the history of the city from a simple fishing village to the very epicenter of economic power during the Dutch Golden Age and even during the time of war. Studying the events highlighted in this post will help you to discover more about the history of the city that makes each visit to Amsterdam even more meaningful.
