Amsterdam Introduction

City Introduction

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, the largest city of the country as well as the nation’s economic, cultural center and transportation hub. The name of the city derives from Amstel Dam, which means a dam located in the Amstel River. As the largest city in the Netherlands, Amsterdam originally started as a fishing village and eventually developed into the metropolis we recognize today. The city had experienced glory and destruction, but has also undergone the hardships of World War Two. To some extent, her history is an epitome of Dutch history. Modern-day Amsterdam is a prosperous port city with a variety of cultures coexisting with charming canal landscapes and a highly inclusive social culture.

Historical culture

Amsterdam is a world famous city with a history of more than 700 years.

Starting from smart management

At the beginning of the last millennium, some adventurers floated downstream from the Amstel River riding boats made of hollowed-out logs. They built a dam outside the marshland around the river– now the Dam Square in the center of Amsterdam city, which is named after the first dam. These smart “Amstel dam builders” began to collect toll fees from brewers and Herring traders that transit through the dam. At that time, the trade developed rapidly in the Eastern Baltic Sea and provided the opportunity for the dam builders to become professional shipbuilders and brewers. The economic development allowed them to gather resources for the development of the new town. In 1275, this trade town was licensed for the right of chartered toll collection and the Dutch Count Floris normalized these activities. In 1300, the town received its first charter.

Free passage was considered to be the key to the economic development of Amsterdam and it meant that merchants could operate at a lower price, especially for brewers and Herring traders, which were the popular commodities during the era. For example, in 1323, Amsterdam had the exclusive right to import beer from Hamburg. The Herring trade developed rapidly after the discovery of a storage method of Herrings by removing the intestine of the captured Herrings immediately to extend the preservation time. This storage technique allowed the fishermen to catch more fish without worrying about spoilage, and in turn allowing them to earn more money.

Golden Age

The late 15th century witnessed the rapid rise of Amsterdam. After the Spanish occupied Antwerp, many rich men of Jewish decent fled to Amsterdam. They spent money travelling to India in order to do research, eventually culminating into business opportunities. In 1602, the Dutch East India Company was founded and became the first multinational corporation in the word, with Amsterdam city owning a majority stake of the company. This created an unprecedented period of prosperity, making the 17th century a golden age.

In the meantime, Amsterdam underwent two large-scale urban expansions, which for the first time took the functionality and aesthetics of the city into account. Construction during this period included the famous North Sea Canal and Jordaan district.

Art also flourished and in the first half of the 17th century, the number of artists and art dealers in Amsterdam increased to allow rapid development. In just thirty years, Amsterdam became a thriving cultural center and the location where many masterpieces were created. Artists who contributed include, Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer and Jan Steen.

Industrialization

In the late 17th century, Amsterdam remained stagnant in economic development, resulting in economic recession leading to an increasingly serious poverty problem. But with the construction of North Sea Canal in 1876, Amsterdam finally connected with the North Sea directly. After the project, there was an increase in ships docked in the port of Amsterdam. This marked the turning point of Amsterdam. Having trade contacts with the Dutch East Indies, present day Indonesia, Amsterdam acquired an important position in the spice trade. At this point, Amsterdam also began the jewelry trade route with South Africa.

Numerous architectural masterpieces reflected the prosperity of this new stage. In 1889, Amsterdam’s Central Station was built. A few years later, Concertgebouw, Carré Theatre and Hotel America in were also completed.

Last century

In the 20th century, the city’s development began to turn for the better. Amsterdam School movement—an idealistic movement on building, provided low-cost housing around the original city. The city also continued to expand and built Schiphol Airport.

Although the Netherlands remained neutral during World War I, the country suffered a serious food shortage and had to limit the supply of products. In 1917, a ship carrying potatoes arrived in Amsterdam to provide supply for the army. An error in food distribution resulted in civilians plundering food transport intended for soldiers, effectively sparking the “Potato rebellion.” This began a period of turmoil in Amsterdam’s history.

In 1934, a serious event named the Jordann Riots began to unfold. It is said that reduction of low unemployment support, which was the only source of income for many people, sparked protests and riots across several cities. Residents in Jordaan participated in the rebellion by throwing stones at the police. Eventually, the government of the region adapted to the situation by hardening all the roads so that people could not pull out stones from the streets to use as weapons.

The Second World War caused extensive damage to the buildings and infrastructure of Amsterdam. The famine at that time also claimed many lives, coupled with the persecution to the Jewish population. As a result, Amsterdam lost ten percent of the total population.

After World War II, the population composition of Amsterdam changed quickly. Many residents of Amsterdam left the city for satellite towns, such as Purmerend, Hoorn and Almere. Meanwhile, the influx of immigrants from Suriname, Turkey and Morocco to Amsterdam increased the urban population. Nowadays, more than 780,000 residents from 180 countries live in Amsterdam.

Natural Environment

Amstel River flows through the city, thus making it become an intersection of European inland waterway. Amsterdam is known as the “Venice of the North,” in which the canal crisscrosses and constitutes a water network with bridges intersecting. From a bird’s eye view, glittering water looks like satin, and the shape of the city appears to be a cobweb. Due to the limited land resource and a large population number, there are many “houseboats” docked on the rivers. And also because of the high water level in Amsterdam, almost all the buildings in the past were supported by wooden stakes painted with black asphalt, to prevent deterioration. Thus, Amsterdam owns the nickname, “the capital supported by wooden stakes.”

Climate change

Amsterdam’s weather condition is mainly influenced by air currents from the North Sea. It has a pleasant climate with a moderate temperature range. Winter temperatures rarely fall below -5℃ (23℉) and summer temperature rarely rises above 28℃ (82℉). But, whenever going to Amsterdam to travel, it should be noted that the weather here is very unpredictable, so best to prepare extra clothing.

The four seasons of Amsterdam

• Spring (March to May): All flowers blossom together and trees sprout in the wild. Temperature may rise or fall sharply in a day. Rainfall is quite common, but there are also people who like togo outside and step into the sunshine.

• Summer (June to August): People like going out to the park to enjoy the sun, or just having a few drinks on the balcony. The daytime is comparatively long and the sun sets at about 21:00. But summer days are not always clear, it would be wise to carry a sweater or light jacket.

• Fall (September to November):Autumn has slightly cozy chill in the air. In late autumn, you may encounter rainy season, which is almost always the storm variety.

• Winter (December to February): Winter in Amsterdam is often mild, and even if it sometimes snows, it will usually melt in a few days. When the weather is cold enough to make the canal freeze, you will see people skating and having fun.

Holiday arrangements

2016

New Year: January 1

Good Friday: March 25

Easter Sunday: March 27

Easter Monday: March 28

King’s day: April 27

Remembrance Day: May 4

Ascension Day: May 5

Pentecost Sunday: May 15

Pentecost Monday: May 16

Christmas Day: December 25

Boxing Day: December 26