Amsterdam "The Best Brownies in Town"

History of Amsterdam
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History of Amsterdam, Netherlands

The history of Amsterdam is an intriguing one. Today it seems hard to believe but Amsterdam started life in the 12th century as a tiny fishing village which gradually grew in size until in the 14th and 15th century it underwent rapid development. From 1585 to 1672 the city celebrated the so-called Golden Age, a major turning point in the history of Amsterdam, where it saw huge commercial success and massive urban expansion. During this time, some of the city's best-known landmarks were founded including the Royal Palace in Dam Square, which was once the town hall and large number of canal houses.

In 1672 the history of Amsterdam changed forever when the Dutch Republic was attacked by both the French and the English. This resulted in a sharp decline in the city's former wealth but Amsterdam still managed to retain its position as the financial centre of Europe. However, from 1795 to 1813 Amsterdam was at the centre of an economic recession which saw many of its great buildings left empty or fall into decline through neglect. Things began to look up from 1813 to 1940 when rapid population growth saw impressive expansion in the city as a direct result of the Industrial Revolution. During this period, new museums, the Centraal Station and the Concertgebouw were built as well as Stelling van Amsterdam, a circle of 42 forts which could potentially be used to help defend the city against an attack.

The Netherlands remained neutral during World War I but when World War II struck, German troops occupied the city. Around 100,000 Jews were deported, including Anne Frank, almost completely wiping out the Jewish community and with it much of the diamond trade. After World War II popular culture became the dominant phenomenon in Amsterdam and today, it remains a modern, thriving European centre.