Spain dominated the country until the 16th century, which saw the struggle for independence against Spanish rule. Amsterdam, which was opposed to independence from Spain in the beginning, eventually switched sides in 1578. As a consequence of gaining independence, freedom of religion was reinstated, which was an important issue in Europe at the time.

Wars of religion were raging throughout Europe, with many groups seeking a place to freely exercise their beliefs. Prosperous Jews came from Spain and Portugal to make the Netherlands their new home; and the ‘Hugenotes’ escaped France, seeking a safe haven in which to practice their religion. In Amsterdam, it was money that was of primary importance and most people weren’t interested in your religious beliefs so long as you paid your taxes and otherwise contributed your share to the economy.

Wars against France and England took their toll economically, particularly as much of its trade with London was lost. Toward the end of the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution reached Amsterdam, communications with other parts of Europe and others areas of the world improved and Amsterdam had a new lease on life, although it never reached its earlier level of prominence.

Trade and industry suffered as a result of WWII and although the city did not directly suffer from bombing and attacks, nearly 100,000 Jewish residents were deported which almost wiped out the city’s Jewish community.

In that same year, with protesters battling the police, Beatrix was crowned Queen of the Netherlands. Today, Amsterdam is a more peaceful place and it has maintained its tolerance towards soft drugs and a liberal approach to a number of other social issues.