![]() Finally, in 1648, a century of religious conflict came to an end when the Spanish signed the Peace Treaty of Westphalia. In 1618, Catholicism was outlawed and many Catholics in Amsterdam were driven underground in their attempts to worship. The city could soon boast one of the largest ship building industries in the whole of Europe. Explorers set off from the city to all points on the globe, from South America to New Zealand. As Holland flourished, so too did Amsterdam. The East and West India companies were set up at this time. ![]() Amsterdam was its dominant city.īy the beginning of the 17th century, Amsterdam had grown into a port that had a vast influence over trade between England, France, Spain and Scandinavia. The new republic was to be made up of seven provinces, one of which was Holland. Then, in 1579, William the Silent created a Dutch republic. In 1535, a group of Anabaptists were executed. ![]() So too had a particularly fervent branch of Protestantism known as Calvinism.Ī lack of religious tolerance led to a long period of rebellion by locals against their ruler's beliefs. However, in Amsterdam, Protestantism had taken hold. ![]() The main religion in Spain was Roman Catholicism. In the 16th century, the city came under the control of the Spanish Empire. In fact, such was the demand that the port soon had to be extended. The city's merchants exported cloth and salt in return for such commodities as timber and grain. The second turning point for medieval Amsterdam came in the late 14th century, when some of its canals were constructed, opening up trade still further. This was to be a pivotal time for Amsterdam, encouraging trade and allowing it to expand. ![]() A charter was granted by Floris V, the Count of Holland, which allowed toll fees on the Amstel dam to be waived. It is known that by 1275, a settlement known as Amestelledamme was in existence. A barrier was built on the River Amstel, allowing the flood waters of the Zuiderzee to be controlled. In the 12th and 13th centuries, many dykes were built, freeing up land and allowing settlements to grow. History therefore suggests that this area was little more than a swampy tract of land. However, it was probably not a large Roman settlement, because archaeological finds on the site are few and far between. Historical evidence points to Amsterdam starting out life as a place of Roman occupation. ![]()
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