Saint Nicolas, protégé of Amsterdam

the economy declined, from the end of the 19th century the industrial revolution reached the city, water-ways like the North-sea channel were created. The new waterway created a new impulse to the economy and development and improved the connection to Europe and the world. The industrial revolution introduced steel production, shipyards, railways and restyled the city into an industrial centre. During WWI, Netherlands stayed neutral, after the booming twenties an economic depression

took its toll. WWII, the Germans occupied the city, especially the Jewish community suffered under the occupation. Dutch men were forced to work in Germany and resistance lead by an alliance of communists and calvinist was formed. During the hard winter of ’44-’45 the city was isolated from the liberated part of the Netherlands by the allies, the popu-lation suffered again and thousands died. In may 1945 the city was liberated. Before the war, Amsterdam was the world's center for the diamondtrade. This trade was mostly in the hands of Jewish businessmen and craftsmen, the diamondtrade almost disappeared. Amsterdam is still important trade center for diamonds.Some major developments after the war, the harbor was expanded a new channel, the Amsterdam-Rhine was opened and the creation of a new district; the Bijlmermeer. The sixties were socially rural years, students and woman were demonstrating for their rights and Amsterdam became an attractive place to be for hippies. During the seventies a new subway line was created, a major part of the Nieuwmarkt was demolished causing major riots against the city council.