The History of The Netherlands

There are many cities where gay community feels free and accepted, there is, however, Amsterdam which guaranteed their freedom to be, to live, to cherish and love. Do not trust appearances, it was no always like that, the tolerance, liberty, equality and liberal approach came gradually. This city affords a freedom and encourages gay community to go on with its legalization. There are more than 35 gay bars, more than 15 gay-friendly hotels, discos … and much more. The most places are located by Rembrandtplein, around Amstel River , Warmoestraat, Reguliersdwarsstraat. Most shops are gay-friendly. They gay community was no the largely exposed, before. The 1960s/1970s were particularly difficult and tough. Gay community didn’t enjoy freedom as it does today. Their sexual identity was forbidden, it was also forbidden to place wreath for homosexual victims at the war memorial on the Dam during the Remembrance Day.   During the war they were very much prejudiced, the Nazi...

The city would't exist without the canals, the canals shaped it and made it to be prosperous and so beautiful. The canals were treated as a tool which established the trade and determined how the whole city worked and prospered. Unbelievable but true, the canals are this city, it stands for the heritage the whole Europe admires nowadays. The most prominent canal lies at Herengracht it is 3.5 km long. This and other canals were precious for ships which moored directly in front of the merchant's houses. It must have looked magnificent.  The nowadays Jordaan area looked as we do realize completely different, it is without a question the most desirable part of the city. Its development is dated back to 1612 where the district began its modern era. It provided accommodation to local artisans and small factories. All around the area small regular buildings plots emerged, fine houses, as well. The town plan is outstanding, it includes 90 islands linked by 500 bridges. ...

The XVII century is marked everywhere as the Age of prosperity and prominence, alike was in the Netherlands , Amsterdam was thriving, it became a glorious and a very rich city. Every aspect mattered. Its bigger rival – London didn’t outshine it. The impact of the oversea journeys was tremendous, Spain made almost total hegemony over the seas, the competition was fierce and bitter. Amsterdam got access to unknown and undiscovered territories, in 1595 the Dutch ships touched the coast of United East India Company. In 1602 the government established a monopoly law for all the goods of the Cape of Good Hope . In 1609 the bank of Amsterdam has been established. Shortly after it became a financial center of Europe . The Dutch empire grew in power, the lands were vast and included Sri Lanka , Tasmania , Bali, Timor, Java, Sumatra, Borneo , New Guinea and South Africa . As the trade expanded so did the colonies: Tobago, Cayenne , Bonaire, Curacao, St Martin, the D...

The marriages triggered the way and means the Kingdom prevailed. The conquests guaranteed stability; it was not a constant one, however, made Amsterdam and its surrounding areas relatively stable and safe. The provinces were controlled and governed by the Duke of Burgundy, the year 1430 was in particularly were hard; rich in disputes and constant reshuffling of the government. Namely, Charles the Bold was the last Duke to hold on sway. He died in 1477; his heir was his daughter – Mary. She married the Crown Prince of Habsburg Empire’s -  Maximilian of Austria. The land passed into Habsburg hands. Maximilian’s son Philip married Joan ‘the Mad’ of Spain – he made an alliance with a very strong, powerful and extremely intolerant Catholic country. He was not aware of the consequences until 1478 when the Inquisition was announced and fully implemented upon other countries. The repercussions were everywhere – Amsterdam felt it momentously.  The religious madness was fue...

Once upon a time it was nothing but a fishing village, the XII century just started making this little place – a significant place. Gradually it became a trading wool center, its inexorable bloom continued till VXII century and the Golden Age which was sensational not only for Amsterdam , but, Europe itself. Everything started from the Amstel River and the herring which became the first and the most important trade mark for the small village – Amsterdam . Living in the XII century was not an easy thing, people struggled for survival and existence. Nothing came easily, even fishing of herring. Local tribes made their settings all along the North Sea coast. Yet, the huts were poorly made, sometimes it didn’t withstand the harsh and sudden tides from the Zuiderzee. Despite the problems and hostile conditions, the Amstel community grew in power, influence and ingenuity helped them to make the whereabouts stronger. Huts became timber-framed. Still nowadays – three last dyk...