Part 1/8:
The Rise and Fall of Two Great Cities: Amsterdam and London
Origins of Economic Power
Four centuries ago, a quaint village named Amsterdam set forth with grand ambitions, laying the groundwork for what would become modern capitalism. By the turn of the 17th century, Amsterdam rapidly ascended to prominence, becoming the richest city on the European continent. The Dutch citizens embraced a belief that anyone, regardless of their background, could participate in the increasingly dynamic economic activities of society.