History of Amsterdam

History of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the greatest city of northern Europe. It was the centre of world economy in 17th century, but now it is a city of tolerant character. A dam was developed in the Amstel river at the end of the 12th century. During the 17th and 18th century, Amsterdam was a city where immigrants formed the majority. Most of the immigrants were Lutheran-Protestant Germans. The city remained a major staple market and managed to retain its position as the financial centre of Europe. Whereas the Golden Age was primarily a period of pitch and tar, the new era is better characterised as an age of gold and silver. The government of the patrician oligarchies was overthrown and the old Republic ceased to exist in 1795. In 1795 the government of the patrician oligarchies was overthrown and the old Republic ceased to exist. Soon the French were to occupy the country. During the period 1795-1813 Amsterdam suffered badly from the economic recession, a state of affairs reflected by the stagnation of the demographic development. Many houses were vacant and some even collapsed for lack of maintenance. Fortunately some facades and interiors dating back to the Empire period survive today.