Amsterdam originally served as a fishing village during the late 12th Century, which is why the Amstel river is at the city’s core. It was developed very rapidly, though only a few medieval buildings are still standing in the city today. This is largely because timber frames and wood exteriors were used heavily in construction throughout the history of Amsterdam. Though this is not the most durable construction material, it remains a popular one even in modern-day Amsterdam. The late 16th and early 17th centuries were Amsterdam’s Golden Age, when it was at the height of commercial productivity. Then, Amsterdam served as one of the main global markets and the city expanded its landscape with many new construction developments.
The year 1672 brought an end to the Golden Age when the Dutch Republic was attacked at the same time by the French and British. Nevertheless, Amsterdam managed to maintain its reputation as a global center of finance and commerce. This period stretched throughout the 18th Century. Because residents became more prosperous and began using more durable materials in their construction, this era was largely responsible for much of the architecture that still remains in the city today.
In 1795, the oligarchy government was completely overthrown. The French came into power and Amsterdam suffered a severe economic recession for the next 20 years. There was not much new development in the city and, in fact, many houses were left vacant and neglected. Many structures collapsed as a result. The 19th Century and early 20th Century were largely marked by recovery from the preceding recession. Economically, culturally and governmentally, Amsterdam once again came into its own. Wealth increased rapidly, which brought about a significant population surge. The inventions and innovation of the Industrial Revolution effectively triggered an era that became known as the New Golden Age. Unfortunately, a recession would resurface in the years 1920 to 1940, though the city would eventually rise above once again. Today, Amsterdam has developed a reputation as a very artsy, liberal-minded capital of free-form expression. At the same time, it is a rich cultural center with an amazing history.
