| Introduction
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Introduction
Amsterdam is a city whose dramatic past, remarkable canals and decorative buildings have all combined to make it one of the
most exciting and seductive capitals in western Europe.
The city, like so much of the Netherlands, has triumphed over water. It began life in the 12th century, when fishermen built
a dam across the mouth of the Amstel river and settled nearby in rough wooden houses. The city developed on reclaimed land
around a network of canals. By the end of the 17th century the city was the leading commercial port of the post-medieval world.
Its success was based on seamanship and entrepreneurial skills.
For most of the 18th century Amsterdam prospered - until its ships lost command of the seas to England. The city became the
capital of the Netherlands in 1813. During World War II, Amsterdam was occupied by the Germans. Since then its history has
been characterized by consolidation, urban maturity and social liberalism - influences that have produced the vigorous and
tolerant city of today.
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